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Synthesis and Free Radical Decarbonylation of Some Small-Ring Aldehydes

Citation

Schuster, David Israel (1961) Synthesis and Free Radical Decarbonylation of Some Small-Ring Aldehydes. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/ZCMA-XQ70. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04132011-073827678

Abstract

A number of small-ring radicals have been generated by peroxide-initiated decarbonylation of the appropriate aldehydes, neat and in diphenyl ether, and that extent of rearrangement in these reactions has been determined in each cases. The results are compared with known examples of free radical rearrangements and with rearrangements which occur in carbonium ion reactions in the same small-ring systems. The results are found to be in accord with the predictions of simple molecular orbital (L.C.A.O) theory.

No decarbonylation of cyclopropanecarboxaldehyde was observed. 1-Methyl- and 1-phenylcyclopropanecaroxaldehyde gave exclusively methyl- and phenylcyclopropane, respectively, on decarbonylation. Cyclobutanecarboxaldehyde, cyclopropylacetaldehyde and dimethyl-cyclopropylacetaldehyde afforded exclusively cyclobutane, 1-butene and 2-methyl-2-pentene, respectively, on decarbonylation. A mixture of 2-methyl-2-pentene and isopropylcyclopropane was obtained on decarbonylation of dimethylcycloprpylacetaldehyde in benzyl mercaptan.

The possible role of "non-classical" homoallylic radical intermediates in the free radical reactions of cyclopropylcarbinyl derivatives is discussed. A decision could not be made on the basis of available evidence between mechanisms involving classical and "non-classical" radical intermediates in these reactions. The evidence does suggest that "non-classical" bicyclobutonium radical intermediates are not important in these reactions.

The methods of synthesis of the small-ring aldehydes in this study are presented and discussed.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry and Physics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Minor Option:Physics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Roberts, John D.
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1961
Funders:
Funding AgencyGrant Number
NSFUNSPECIFIED
Petroleum Research FundUNSPECIFIED
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:04132011-073827678
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:04132011-073827678
DOI:10.7907/ZCMA-XQ70
ORCID:
AuthorORCID
Schuster, David Israel0000-0002-8989-1801
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:6316
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Tony Diaz
Deposited On:13 Apr 2011 18:17
Last Modified:22 Nov 2023 00:06

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