Spin trapping by use of nitroso-compounds. Part VI. Nitrosodurene and other nitrosobenzene derivatives

Abstract

The utility of nitrosodurene (4), 2,4,6-trimethoxycarbonylnitrosobenzene (6), 2,4,6-trichloronitrosobenzene (7), and pentafluoronitrosobenzene (8) as spin traps has been examined, and nitrosodurene has proved to be particularly useful. Various kinds of free radicals can be successfully scavenged by nitrosodurene to produce relatively stable nitroxides whose e.s.r. spectra are as simple as those obtained from 2-methyl-2-nitrosopropane, although line widths are slightly broader. Nitrosodurene is as stable towards photolysis as 2,4,6-tri-t-butylnitrosobenzene. Some characterisation of spin adducts of nitrosodurene from spectral data is discussed. A few examples of spin adducts to other nitroso-compounds are shown. The results of preliminary experiments with 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(trideuteriomethyl)nitrosobenzene are also briefly described.