- High-Fidelity Dimerization of Xanthenyl Radicals and Dynamic Qualities of a Congested Ethane: Diethyl Dixanthenyl-9,9′-Dicarboxylate
-
Exploration of the sterically-congested ethane diethyl dixanthenyl-9,9′-dicarboxylate has revealed the dynamic behavior arising from its congested C?C bond. Interlocking ‘geared’ substituents and favorable dispersion interactions around this bond result in a conformational preference for partially cofacial xanthene moieties both in solid state and as dilute solutions. The weak, centrally located C?C bond is 1.628 ? long and permits selective thermolysis to yield two carbon-centered ethyl xanthenyl-9-carboxylate radicals, which dimerize with high fidelity into the original sterically-congested ethane. Recombination of the radicals into this symmetrical head-to-head dimer is highly reproducible – by observing the equilibrium, the bond dissociation enthalpy was calculated to be 20.4 kcal ? mol?1. The substituents around the central carbon provide insufficient stabilization against oxygen, which consumes the radicals and unbalances the dimer-radical equilibrium.
- Hogan, David T.,Dubrawski, Zachary,Gelfand, Benjamin S.,Sutherland, Todd C.
-
supporting information
(2021/12/23)
-