Equilibrating Cations under Stable Ion Conditions

Abstract

In recent years the pioneering work of Olah, Saunders, Brouwer, and Hogeveen has made possible the direct spectroscopic observation of many cations.1–3 It was natural to apply this new technique to the nonclassical ion problem. Indeed, Olah has concluded that “… the long standing controversy as to the nature of the norbornyl cation is unequivocally resolved in favor of the nonclassical carbonium ion.”4 Consequently, it appears appropriate to subject the studies and conclusions in this area to careful scrutiny to see if they support this conclusion.