title: Reactivity in Cleavage of Dimethoxybenzenes by Sodium in Liquid Ammonia.
abstract: The sodium/liquid ammonia cleavage of the dimethoxybenzenes and related substances, reported in large part by Birch in 1947, has been re-examined with use of improved techniques. Remarkable patterns of reactivity (e.g., ortho > meta >> para) that he described are confirmed and extended. They are agreeably rationalized by means of a simple, approximate adaptation from MO theory.
authors.affiliation: Thimann Laboratories, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064.
authors.forename: Joseph F.
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bunnett
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jenvey