TITANOCENES AS ELECTRON-TRANSFER CATALYSTS - REAGENT CONTROLLED CATALYTIC RADICAL REACTIONS

Novel, catalytic processes for conducting transition metal catalyzed r eagent controlled radical reactions have been developed. Aldehydes and epoxides are used as radical precursors. After electron transfer bind ing of the titanocene catalyst in close proximity to the formed radica l center allows control of the ensuing reactions. The catalytically ac tive titanocene complex is regenerated by silylation or protonation an d in situ reduction with a readily available, cost efficient stoichiom etric reductant.