Catalytic Radical-Polar Crossover Reactions of Allylic Alcohols.

Radical-polar crossover hydrofunctionalizations of tertiary allylic alcohols are described. Depending on the structure of the catalyst, corresponding epoxides or semipinacol rearrangement products are selectively obtained in good yields. Experimental evidence points to the participation of alkylcobalt complexes as electrophilic intermediates.