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Base-Induced Reactions Of P-Nitrobenzyl Compounds, Paul Henry Ruehle

Doctoral Dissertations

"The base-induced reactions of several p-nitrobenzyl compounds were studied. The products varied with changes in the leaving groups. With relatively poor leaving groups (Cl, S⁺(Me)₂), p,p'- dinitrostilbene was produced in good yield. The products of the reaction of p-nitrobenzyl chloride and hydroxide ion in 50% aqueous dioxane were 52.0% p,p'-dinitrostilbene, 43.9% cis- and trans-p,p'-dinitrostilbene oxides, 3.2% p-nitrobenzyl alcohol, and traces of other compounds. With dissolved oxygen, no stilbene was produced; the main product was 88% cis- and trans-p,p'-dinitrostilbene oxides. The addition of small amounts of di-t-butyl nitroxide caused a decrease in both the rate of the reaction and the amount …