Search

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Chemistry is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)