Nitroxides as reaction intermediates

Abstract

Vinyl nitroxides 4 are obtained by oxidation of the nitrones 3, as was shown by esr studies and by identification of the reaction products. The formation of 4d–f is even observed in oxidation of the hydroxylamines 1d–f, nitroxides 2d–f and nitrones 3d–f being the intermediates. The high reactivity of the vinyl nitroxides 4 at their β-position is illustrated by the reactions of 4a with various compounds affording the nitroxides 7–10, respectively. Compound 4c reacts with its precursor 3c to give 11, 12, or 13, depending on the reaction conditions. From oxidation of 3a, c, and e the dimerization products 5a, c, and e, respectively, could be isolated. Whereas further oxidation of 5d yields 6d, the acyl nitroxides 14a and c are formed in the oxidation of 5a and c, respectively.The formation of quinone 23 in the reaction of 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane with potassium tert-butoxide in isopropyl alcohol in the presence of oxygen is discussed. The nitroxide 20 has been detected in the reaction mixture. Imines 24 react with nitrosobenzene giving nitroxides 26. These are further oxidized by nitrosobenzene to afford nitrones 27. Whereas 27a and b could be isolated, 27c and d undergo further reaction yielding the diimines 30c and d along with dinitrone 29.The formation and reactions of imino nitroxides 31 and of the nitronyl nitroxide 41 are discussed. Electron spin resonance studies revealed the high reactivity of the imidazolyl-1,3-dioxides 46 and the imidazolyl-1-oxides 50, which easily form radicals 47–49 and 51, respectively, which are derived from secondary reactions.