Intramolecular β,γ-addition of allylic alkoxyl radicals. A new general synthesis of α-iodoepoxides by photolysis of allylic alcohol hypoiodites in the presence of mercury( II ) oxide, iodine and pyridine in benzene

The formation of α-iodoepoxides arising from an intramolecular β,γ-addition of an allylic alkoxyl radical is a major general process in the photolysis of tertiary and some secondary allylic alcohol hypoiodites in the presence of iodine and pyridine in benzene.