Efficient access to functionalised medium-ring systems by radical fragmentation/radical addition to alpha-iodoketones.

Functionalised medium-ring systems of various sizes can be efficiently prepared by a novel approach that embodies a radical-induced fragmentation of bicyclic P-hydroxy ketones, followed by a second radical-coupling reaction. The unexpected reactivity of ot-keto radicals is also discussed. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved