Four Mechanistic Mysteries: The Benefits of Writing a Critical Review

Abstract

While writing ac omprehensive review on the reactions of epoxides with titanium(III) reagents,w ee ncountered as eries of mechanistic puzzles.U sing clues from the literature,many of whichwere not available at the time that the mysteries emerged, it was possible to demystify an umber of these conundrums.Wediscuss four examples,whichwebelieve will significantly change the way in which titanium(III) chemistry is practiced. Our experience underscores the importance of comprehensive and critical reviews in chemistry and the truism that the authors are prime beneficiaries of the review process. Scheme 1. Some available reaction pathwaysf or b-titanoxyr adical 2.