The chemistry of pentavalent organobismuth reagents. Part 7. The possible role of radical mechanisms in the phenylation process for bismuth(V), and related lead(IV), lodine(III), and antimony(V) reagents

The phenylation reactions of bismuth(V), lead(IV), and iodine(III) have been examined to test the presence or absence of phenyl radicals. In the case of several bismuth(V) reactions the presence of phenyl radicals has been detected, but it has been shown, by use of a large excess of radical trapping agent, that these radicals have nothing to do with the phenylation process. In the same way, the other phenylation reactions fail to respond to a large excess of a radical trap.