Photolysis of β-Azo Perester, a Bifunctional Initiator. The Fragmentation Rate of a β-Peroxy Ester Radical Determined by the Cyclopropylcarbinyl Clock Method

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00093a031

Two free radical initiators containing an azo group and a perester moiety on adjacent carbons have been prepared.On long wavelength UV irradiation, these compounds lose nitrogen to afford β-perester radicals.The cyclopropylcarbinyl radical clock technique has been used to determine that the lifetime of these radicals at 25 deg C toward β-scission and decarboxylation is 480 ns.The potential utility of β-azo peresters as bifunctional free radical initiators is briefly discussed.