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Direct observation of o-xylylene (o-quinodimethane) in solution. Dimerization kinetics of some o-quinodimethanes

Journal Article · · J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ja00281a069· OSTI ID:6996669

o-Xylylene (1), also called o-quinodimethane (o-QDM), is a reactive molecule that has been extensively studied, both theoretically and experimentally. Although 1 is very reactive, some direct evident for its existence has been reported. It has been observed directly by UV-visible spectroscopy both in solution and in a low-temperature matrix and by IR, Raman fluorescence, and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy in a low-temperature matrix. The UV-photoelectron spectrum of 1 in the gas phase has also been published. The reported observation of 1 in solution involved the generation of 1 by flash photolysis. Recently, the generation of o-QDM's based on the fluoride ion induced 1,4-elimination from (o-(..cap alpha..-(trimethylsilyl)alkyl)-benzyl)trimethylammonium halides was reported. We now wish to report that we have found this reaction to be very fast, and it provides a simple and efficient method for generating o-QDM's under conditions which allow them to be detected by UV-visible spectroscopy.

Research Organization:
Ames Lab., Iowa
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-82
OSTI ID:
6996669
Journal Information:
J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 108:21; ISSN JACSA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English