Thermolysis of N,N-Dihalo Derivatives of Bridgehead and Neopentylamines to the Corresponding Halides.

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo01314a003

N,N-Dihalo derivatives of (1-adamantyl)- and neopentylamine are converted to the corresponding alkyl halides in excellent yields (88-94percent) during GLC at 155-330 deg C.Decomposition apparently occurs by an S_Ni mechanism or by intramolecular homolytic cleavage.Intermolecular radical and free-ion reactions are eliminated from consideration because of the absence of radical-derived or rearranged products.Steric factors are deemed important in the neopentyl case since pyrolysis of N,N-dihalo<(1-adamantyl)methyl>amine gave the corresponding carbonitrile in excellent yield(90-97percent). 1-(Haloamino)adamantanes gave fair amounts of 1-haloadamantanes (30-38percent). 1-(Acetylamino)- and 1-(ethylchloroamino)adamantane yielded 1-chloroadamantane (10-17percent), the major products being the acetamide (60percent) and the ethylamine (56percent), respectively. 1-(Dihaloamino)adamantanes were converted to 1-haloadamantanes by neat (64-70percent) or solution (30-41percent) pyrolysis.