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The Elimination-Addition Mechanism of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution

Citation

Panar, Manuel (1961) The Elimination-Addition Mechanism of Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/5JAK-A186. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04122011-082331600

Abstract

Part I: The elimination-addition (benzyne) mechanism postulated for nucleophilic substitutions of non-activated halobenzenes provided the first coherent explanation of the rearrangements which frequently accompany these reactions. However, several less likely alternative mechanisms were able to explain the available data. These alternatives have been disproven by the finding that the amination of iodobenzene-l-^(14)C-2,4,6-^2H_3 gives the same extend of ^(14)C rearrangement in the resulting aniline as does iodobenzene-l-^(14)C. Part II: Substituent effects in aminations of halobenzenes have been explained by inductive control of both the direction of formulation of benzyne and the manner of addition of the nucleophile to the reactive benzyne bond. Although the intermediacy of benzyne in non-rearranging aminations of halobenzenes having electron-withdrawing substituents in the 3-position has been rationalized, the possibility of direct displacement remained. The intermediacy of benzyne has been confirmed by a determination of the isotope effect in reactions of 3-bromoanisole-2,4,6-^2H_3. Part III: While leaving groups such as non-activated halogens react with amide ion in liquid ammonia via a benzyne intermediate, others react entirely or primarily via direct substitution. In order to obtain needed data on the leaving group characteristics which lead to benzyne formation, attempts have been made to find further non-activated substituted benzenes which react with amide ion. Part IV: While all alternatives to the elimination-addition mechanism for amination of non-activated halobenzenes have been disproven one cannot rule out the possibility that benzyne exists as a c_6H_4-complex with halide ion or metal ion. In order to demonstrate the ability of benzyne to exist as a stable C_6H_4 hydrocarbon it would be desirable to pass benzyne through the vapor-phase. Several experiments of this nature have been attempted.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Roberts, John D.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1961
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04122011-082331600
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04122011-082331600
DOI:10.7907/5JAK-A186
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6307
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:12 Apr 2011 18:38
Last Modified:21 Nov 2023 23:26

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