Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

2000

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry

Source Publication

Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 2

Source ISSN

1472-779X

Abstract

Isolation of the unstable 1∶1 complex of 4-nitrosoanisole with NO+PF6 allows its precise X-ray structural characterization. The charge-transfer crystal is formed via strong N⋯N coordination [the distance of 1.938(5) Å corresponding to a σ-bond order of ≈0.2] in the mean plane of the planar 4-nitrosoanisole donor. Thorough analysis of its molecular geometry in terms of valence resonance and MO schemes reveals a strong charge polarization with a local negative charge localized on the nitroso group and a local positive charge distributed over the adjacent p-methoxybenzyl moiety. Such a charge distribution accommodates the well-known passivation of nitrosoarenes to multiple nitrosation and explains the ease of demethylation of the complex. Comparison of a variety of nitroso- and nitroarene structures has shown that the nitrosoarene experiences a much stronger quinoidal distortion of the aromatic ring as compared with the latter. This indicates a stronger electron-withdrawing effect of the nitroso group relative to that of the nitro group. The weakened aromatic resonance in the nitrosoarenes could be responsible for the observed slower rate and the measurable isotope effect in electrophilic nitrosation as opposed to nitration.

Comments

Accepted version. Journal of the Chemical Society, Perkin Transactions 2, No. 9 (2000): 1919-1923. DOI. © 2000 Royal Society of Chemistry. Used with permission.

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