Abstract

The electron transfer (ET) reduction of benzyl benzenesulfenate ester (1) and tert-butyl benzenesulfenate ester (2) was investigated using electrochemical techniques. Analysis of the cyclic voltammetry of each compound suggests that the ET reduction proceeds via a stepwise dissociative mechanism. The voltammograms of 1 are similar to those of diaryl disulfides and it was found through controlled potential electrolysis (CPE) product studies that ET reduction leads to S—O bond cleavage. The voltammograms of 2 are dramatically different with a sharper dissociative wave occurring at a more negative peak potential. CPE experiments indicate products that result from ET leading to C—O bond cleavage in this case. DFT calculations of the singly occupied molecular orbitals (SOMOs) of 1 and 2 were performed and offer a rationale for the different reactivity of the two radical anions.Key words: sulfenate esters, dissociative electron transfer, electrochemistry, radical anions.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.