Primary isotope effects and mechanism of base initiated β-elimination reactions of di-(p-nitrophenyl)fluoroethanes

Abstract

The second-order rate constants have been determined for the β-elimination reactions of 2,2-di-(p-nitrophenyl)-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, 2,2-di-(p-nitrophenyl)-1-fluoroethane, and their β-deuterated analogues with sodium methoxide in methanol. The primary isotope effects and activation parameters for these reactions are reported. It is suggested that the trifluoro-compound reacts via the pre-equilibrium carbanion mechanism (ElcB)R and that the monofluoro compound follows the E2 mechanism via a carbanion-like transition state.