| Abstract: | An extension of the well‐known ‘free‐radical‐clock’ methodology is described that allows one to determine the rate constants of carbon‐centered radicals with a variety of thiols by using the tris(trimethylsilyl)silane/thiol couple as a reducing system. A total of 20 rate constants for the hydrogen abstraction from a variety of alkyl‐, silyl‐, and aryl‐substituted thiols by the primary‐alkyl radical 2 in toluene at 80° were determined with the aid of the 5‐exo‐trig cyclization as a timing device. Further, seven rate constants for the hydrogen abstraction from a variety of alkyl‐ and silyl‐substituted thiols by the acyl radical 9 in benzene at 80° were measured using the decarbonylation process as a timing device. The rate constants varied over two orders of magnitude from 106 to 108 M ?1 s?1. Substituent effects were rationalized. The radical‐trapping abilities of these reducing systems and those of other common hydrogen donors were compared. |
