title: Synthesis of a stereochemically defined 1,2-diazetine N,N'-dioxide and a study of its thermal decomposition.
abstract: Diazetine dioxide 1a has been synthesized in a single step via oxidation of meso-2,3-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine with dimethyldioxirane, albeit in low yield (7%). Thermal decomposition of 1a afforded predominantly either trans-stilbene or diphenyl glyoxime depending on solvent, temperature, and the presence of an amine catalyst. Reaction in chloroform at 69 degrees C favored elimination of NO and formation of trans-stilbene. The stereospecific formation of trans-stilbene suggests a mechanism of decomposition in which C-N bond cleavage leads to a diradical intermediate stabilized by the phenyl group. Bond rotation followed by cleavage of the second C-N bond accounts for the trans-stilbene. At 25 degrees C in chloroform, while trans-stilbene was still the major product, some diphenyl glyoxime was also observed (4% yield). However, 1a as a solution in chloroform in the presence of Et3N, or 1a as a solution in DMSO-d6, afforded predominantly diphenyl glyoxime. These results are interpreted in terms of two closely competing reactions subject to the effects of entropic contributions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Berry College, P.O. Box 495016, Mount Berry, GA 30149, USA. gbreton@berry.edu
authors.forename: Gary W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Breton
authors.forename: Lindsey H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Justine E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Nickerson