Synthesis of sterically congested unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl radicals through a stepwise approach

Abstract

A simplified stepwise synthesis of sterically congested unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl radicals is demonstrated. An aryl- and N-heterocyclic carbene-substituted 1,2-dicarbonyl radical is generated, revealing N-heterocyclic carbenes stabilizing role.