Heterocyclen aus α-nitroolefinen. XI . 1,2-oxazine aus α-nitroolefinen und β-dicarbonylverbindungen

Dihydro-1,2-oxazines 8 and 12-oxazines 12 are formed by the reaction of the nitronic acids of the adducts of α-nitroolefins and β-dicarbonyl compounds ( 6 ) by two ways: A ) The nitronic acids 6 are heated in a boiling solution of urea in ethanol or methanol. B ) The nitronic acids 6 are reduced with an aqueous solution of ammoniachloride and sodium sulfide. ¹H-nmr and ¹³C-nmr investigations prove the constitutions. The mechanism is discussed.     

Synthese,Struktur und Reaktivität von η1und η3‐Allyl‐Rhenium‐Carbonylen

Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of η¹‐ and η³‐Allyl Rhenium Carbonyls In (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₄ one CO ligand can be substituted by PPh₃, pyridine, isocyanide and benzonitrile. With 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene, 1,1′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene and 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane dinuclear ligand bridged complexes are obtained. The η³‐η¹ conversion of the allyl ligand occurs on reaction of (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₄ with the bidendate ligands 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane and 1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane and with 2,2′‐bipyridine (L–L) which gives the complexes (η¹‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₃(L–L). By reaction of (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₄ with bis(diphenylphosphino)methane the allyl group is protonated and under elemination of propene the complex (OC)₃Re(Ph₂PCHPPh₂)(η¹‐Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂) ( 19 ) with a diphosphinomethanide ligand is formed. On heating solutions of (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₄ and (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₃(CN‐2,5‐Me₂C₆H₃) ( 5 ) in methanol the methoxy bridged compounds Re₄(CO)₁₂(OH)(OMe)₃ and Re₂(CO)₄(CN‐2,5‐Me₂C₆H₃)₄(μ‐OMe)₂ ( 20 ) were isolated. The crystal structures of (η³‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₃(CNCH₂SiMe₃) ( 4 ), [(η³‐C₃H₅)(OC)₃Re]₂‐ (μ‐bis‐(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene) ( 8 ), (η¹‐C₃H₅)Re(CO)₃‐ (bpy) ( 14 ), of 19 , 20 and of (OC)₃Re‐[Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂]Cl ( 16 ) were determined by X‐ray diffraction.     

Thermische Lactonisierung von Estern γ-Brom-α, β-ungesättigter Carbonsäuren zu Δα-Butenoliden. Direkte γ-Bromierung von α, β-ungesättigten Säuren

By heating with iron powder at 120–150° some γ-bromo-α, β-unsaturated carboxylic methyl esters, and, less smothly, the corresponding acids, were lactonized to Δ^7alpha;-butenolides with elimination of methyl bromide. The following conversions have thus been made: methyl γ-bromocrotonate ( 1c ) and the corresponding acid ( 1d ) to Δ^α-butenolide ( 8a ), methyl γ-bromotiglate ( 3c ) and the corresponding acid ( 3d ) to α-methyl-Δ^α-butenolide ( 8b ), a mixture of methyl trans- and cis-γ-bromosenecioate ( 7c and 7e ) and a mixture of the corresponding acids ( 7d and 7f ) to β-methyl-Δ^α-butenolide ( 8c ). The procedure did not work with methyl trans-γ-bromo-Δ^α-pentenoate ( 5c ) nor with its acid ( 5d ). Most of the γ-bromo-α, β-unsaturated carboxylic esters ( 1c, 7c, 7e and 5c ) are available by direct N-bromosuccinimide bromination of the α, β-unsaturated esters 1a, 7a and 5a ; methyl γ-bromotiglate ( 3c ) is obtained from both methyl tiglate ( 3a ) and methyl angelate ( 4a ), but has to be separated from a structural isomer. The γ-bromo-α, β-unsaturated esters are shown by NMR. to have the indicated configurations which are independent of the configuration of the α, β-unsaturated esters used; the bromination always leads to the more stable configuration, usually the one with the bromine-carrying carbon anti to the carboxylic ester group; an exception is methyl γ-bromo-senecioate, for which the two isomers (cis, 7e , and trans, 7d ) have about the same stability. The N-bromosuccinimide bromination of the α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids 1b , 3b , 4b , 5b and 7b is shown to give results entirely analogous to those with the corresponding esters. In this way γ-bromocrotonic acid ( 1 d ), γ-bromotiglic acid ( 3 d ), trans- and cis-γ-bromosenecioic acid ( 7d and 7f ) as well as trans-γ-bromo-Δ^α-pentenoic acid ( 5d ) have been prepared. Iron powder seems to catalyze the lactonization by facilitating both the elimination of methyl bromide (or, less smoothly, hydrogen bromide) and the rotation about the double bond. α-Methyl-Δ^α-butenolide ( 8b ) was converted to 1-benzyl-( 9a ), 1-cyclohexyl-( 9b ), and 1-(4′-picoly1)-3-methyl-Δ^α-pyrrolin-2-one ( 9 c ) by heating at 180° with benzylamine, cyclohexylamine, and 4-picolylamine. The butenolide 8b showed cytostatic and even cytocidal activity; in preliminary tests, no carcinogenicity was observed. Both 8b and 9c exhibited little toxicity.     

Darstellung und Charakterisierung von α,ω-Dihydroperchloroligosilanen

Preparation and Characterization of α,ω-Dihydroperchloro Silanes Synthesis for the new compounds H(SiCl₂)_nH, n = 3?7 and HSi₄Cl₅ were described, starting from the perphenylated cyclosilanes. The new compounds were characterized and ¹H- and ²⁹Si-NMR spectra are discussed.     

Chirale Halbsandwich‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl‐Rhodium(III)‐ und Iridium(III)‐Komplexe mit Schiff‐Basen aus Salicylaldehyd und α‐Aminosäureestern [1]

Chiral Half‐sandwich Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Rhodium(III) and Iridium(III) Complexes with Schiff Bases from Salicylaldehyde and α‐Amino Acid Esters [1] A series of diastereoisomeric half‐sandwich complexes with Schiff bases from salicylaldehyde and L‐α‐amino acid esters including chiral metal atoms, [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(Cl)M(N,O‐Schiff base)], has been obtained from chloro bridged complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(Cl)M(μ‐Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir). Abstraction of chloride from these complexes with Ag[BF₄] or Ag[SO₃CF₃] affords the highly sensitive compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(N,O‐Schiff base]⁺X^? (M = Rh, Ir; X = BF₄, CF₃SO₃) to which PPh₃ can be added under formation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(PPh₃)(N,O‐Schiff base)]⁺X^?. The diastereoisomeric ratio of the complexes ( 1 ‐ 7 and 11 ‐ 12 ) has been determined from NMR spectra.     

Synthese und IR.-spektroskopische Identifizierung epimerer 3-Äthinyl-5 α-cholestan-3-ole

Synthesis and IR. Spectroscopic Identification of Epimeric 3-Ethinyl-5α-cholestan-3-ols The syntheses of the 3β-ethinyl-5α-cholestan-3α-ols 2a, 2b, 2c and of the corresponding epimeric 3α-ethinyl-5 α-cholestan-3 β-ols 3a, 3b, 3c are described. Bands at 1000 cm^?1 for the α-alcohols and at 1030 cm^?1 for the β-alcohols are found to be useful for the IR. spectroscopic identification of epimeric 3-ethinyl-5α-cholestan-3-ols.     

Darstellung und Charakterisierung von kationischen η2-1-Buten- und Acetonitrilkomplexen

Preparation and Characterization of Cationic η²-1-Butene and Acetonitrile Complexes The reaction of the species η⁵-C₅H₅M(CO)_n-σ-C₄H₇ (M = Fe, Mo, W; n = 2, 3) with (C₆H₅)₃CBF₄ yielded – instead of the expected cationic butadiene complexes of the type [η⁵-CpM(CO)_n?1-η⁴-C₄H₆][BF₄], which would have been formed in case of hydride cleavage – compounds of the type [η⁵-CpM(CO)_n η²-C₄H₈][BF₄], which were formed by protonation of the σ-C₄H₇ ligands. The reaction proceeded quantitatively. The BF₄^? anion can be substituted by other anions, such as ClO₄^?, B(C₆H₅)₄^?, PF₄^?, and [Cr(SCN)₄(NH₃)₂]^? in the complexes obtained. The mechanism of the reaction leading to the η²-bonded 1-butene complexes was determined by isotope experiments. In trying to recrystallize the butene complexes from acetonitrile the cationic complexes [η⁵-C₅H₅ Fe(CO)₂CH₃CN]BF₄ and [η⁵-C₅H₅ M(CO)₃CH₃CN]BF₄ were observed; the X-ray structure analysis of the former is reported.     

Komplexkatalyse. XXXII. Synthese und Charakterisierung von η3-Allyl-, η3-Crotyl-und η1,η2-Cyclooct-4(Z)-en-1-yl-nickel(II)-bis(brenzcate-chinato)-borat und ihre Eignung als Katalysatoren für die stereospezifische Butadienpolymerisation

Complex Catalysis. XXXII. Synthesis and Characterization of η³-Allyl-, η³-Crotyl-, and η¹,η²-Cyclooct-4(Z)-en-1-yl-nickel(II)-bis(brenzcatechinato)borate and their Suitability as Catalysts for the Stereospecific Butadiene Polymerization By reaction of [(η³-C₃H₅)₂Ni], [(η³-C₄H₇)₂Ni], and [Ni(cycloocta-1,5-diene)₂] with one equivalent bis(brenzcatechinato)boric acid HB(O₂C₆H₄)₂ in ether the complexes given in the title could be synthesized in good yields. The allyl complex [η³-C₃H₅NiB(O₂C₆H₄)₂] reacts with cycloocta-1,5-diene (COD) to give a cationic complex [η³-C₃H₅Ni(COD)]B(O₂C₆H₄)₂ and catalyses the 1,4-trans-polymerization of butadiene with an activity of ca. 150 ml C₄H₆/mol Ni · h and a selectivity of 78% under standard conditions at room temperature.     

Differentiation of Boc‐protected α,δ‐/δ,α‐ and β,δ‐/δ,β‐hybrid peptide positional isomers by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Two new series of Boc‐N‐α,δ‐/δ,α‐ and β,δ‐/δ,β‐hybrid peptides containing repeats of L ‐Ala‐δ⁵‐Caa/δ⁵‐Caa‐L ‐Ala and β³‐Caa‐δ⁵‐Caa/δ⁵‐Caa‐β³‐Caa (L ‐Ala = L ‐alanine, Caa = C‐linked carbo amino acid derived from D ‐xylose) have been differentiated by both positive and negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). MSⁿ spectra of protonated isomeric peptides produce characteristic fragmentation involving the peptide backbone, the Boc‐group, and the side chain. The dipeptide positional isomers are differentiated by the collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of the protonated peptides. The loss of 2‐methylprop‐1‐ene is more pronounced for Boc‐NH‐L ‐Ala‐δ‐Caa‐OCH₃ (1), whereas it is totally absent for its positional isomer Boc‐NH‐δ‐Caa‐L ‐Ala‐OCH₃ (7), instead it shows significant loss of t‐butanol. On the other hand, second isomeric pair shows significant loss of t‐butanol and loss of acetone for Boc‐NH‐δ‐Caa‐β‐Caa‐OCH₃ (18), whereas these are insignificant for its positional isomer Boc‐NH‐β‐Caa‐δ‐Caa‐OCH₃ (13). The tetra‐ and hexapeptide positional isomers also show significant differences in MS² and MS³ CID spectra. It is observed that ‘b’ ions are abundant when oxazolone structures are formed through five‐membered cyclic transition state and cyclization process for larger ‘b’ ions led to its insignificant abundance. However, b₁⁺ ion is formed in case of δ,α‐dipeptide that may have a six‐membered substituted piperidone ion structure. Furthermore, ESI negative ion MS/MS has also been found to be useful for differentiating these isomeric peptide acids. Thus, the results of MS/MS of pairs of di‐, tetra‐, and hexapeptide positional isomers provide peptide sequencing information and distinguish the positional isomers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthese von diastereo- und enantio-selektiv deuterierten β,ε-, β,β-, β,γ- und γ,γ-Carotinen

Synthesis of Diastereo- and Enantioselectively Deuterated β,ε-, β,β-, β,γ- and γ,γ-Carotenes We describe the synthesis of (1′R, 6′S)-[16′, 16′, 16′-²H₃]-β, εcarotene, (1R, 1′R)-[16, 16, 16, 16′, 16′, 16′-²H₆]-β, β-carotene, (1′R, 6′S)-[16′, 16′, 16′-²H₃]-γ, γ-carotene and (1R, 1′R, 6S, 6′S)-[16, 16, 16, 16′, 16′, 16′-²H₆]-γ, γ-carotene by a multistep degradation of (4R, 5S, 10S)-[18, 18, 18-²H₃]-didehydroabietane to optically active deuterated β-, ε- and γ-C₁₁-endgroups and subsequent building up according to schemes \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}${\rm C}_{11} \to {\rm C}_{14}^{C_{\mathop {26}\limits_ \to }} \to {\rm C}_{40} $\end{document} and C₁₁ → C₁₄; C₁₄+C₁₂+C₁₄→C₄₀. NMR.- and chiroptical data allow the identification of the geminal methyl groups in all these compounds. The optical activity of all-(E)-[²H₆]-β,β-carotene, which is solely due to the isotopically different substituent not directly attached to the chiral centres, is demonstrated by a significant CD.-effect at low temperature. Therefore, if an enzymatic cyclization of [17, 17, 17, 17′, 17′, 17′-²H₆]lycopine can be achieved, the steric course of the cyclization step would be derivable from NMR.- and CD.-spectra with very small samples of the isolated cyclic carotenes. A general scheme for the possible course of the cyclization steps is presented.     

Chemistry of trifluorostyrenes and their dimers: 2. Synthesis of substituted α, β, β-trifluorostyrenes and α, β, β-trifluoroethenylnaphthalenes. Hammett correlations of their NMR parameters and the concept of “distorted π-electron clouds”

Six α, β, β-trifluorostyrenes with the following substituents, viz., p-MeO, p-Me, m-Me, p-Cl, m-Cl, and m-CF₃, were synthesized by the reaction of the corresponding Grignard reagents with tetrafluoroethylene in tetrahydrofuran. Similarly, α-and β-trifluoroethenylnaphthalenes were prepared. The substituent electronic effects on the ¹⁹F-NMR parameters were investigated for the trifluorostyrenes (I). Linear correlations between the Hammett σ constants and the following ¹⁹F-NMR parameters were established, namely, chemical shifts δ. (F¹) and δ (F²), coupling constants J₁₂, differences of chemical shifts Δδ_3-1 (δ (F³)—δ(f¹) or Δδ_3-2. The results are consistent with previous expectations based on the simple concept of “distorted π-electron clouds”. Facts are presented which indicate that the Δδ_3-1 (or Δδ_3-2) values may serve as empirical measures of the degree of polarization of the π bonds of these fluoroolefins.     

Synthese und Struktur von η1‐Phosphaallyl‐, η1‐Arsaallylund η1‐Stibaallyleisen‐Komplexen [(η5‐C5Me5)(CO)2Fe–E(SiMe3)C(OSiMe3)=CPh2] (E = P,As, Sb)

Syntheses and Structures of η¹‐Phosphaallyl, η¹‐Arsaallyl, and η¹‐Stibaallyl Iron Complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂Fe–E(SiMe₃)C(OSiMe₃)=CPh₂] (E = P, As, Sb) The reaction of equimolar amounts of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂Fe–E(SiMe₃)₂] ( 1 a : E = P; 1 b : As; 1 c : Sb) and diphenylketene afforded the η¹‐phosphaallyl‐, η¹‐arsaallyl‐, and η¹‐stibaallyl complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(CO)₂Fe–E(SiMe₃)C(OSiMe₃)=CPh₂] ( 2 a : E = P; 2 b : As; 2 c : Sb). The molecular structures of 2 b and 2 c were elucidated by single crystal X‐ray analyses.     

Synthesis of 1‐Methyl‐3‐aryl‐substituted Titanocene and Zirconocene Dichlorides and Crystal Structure of Bis[η5‐1‐methyl‐3‐(α, α‐dimethylbenzyl) cyclopentadienyl] titanium Dichloride

The syntheses of a series of l‐methyl‐3‐aryl‐substituted titanocene and zirconocene dichlorides are reported. These complexes are synthesized by the reaction of 2‐ and 3‐methyl‐6, 6‐dimethylfulvenes (1:4) with aryllithium, followed by the reaction with TiCl₄·2THF, ZrCl₄ and (CpTiCl₂)₂O respectively, to give complexes 1–5. The complex [η⁵‐1‐methyl‐3‐(α, α‐dimethylbenzyl) cyclopentadienyl] titanium dichloride has been studied by X‐ray diffraction. The red crystal of this complex is monoclinic, space group P2_t/C with unit cell parameters: a =6.973(6) × 10^?1 nm, b =36.91(2) × 10^?1 nm, c = 10.063(4) × 10^?1 nm, α=β= γ = 93.35(5)°, V = 2584(5) × 10^?3 nm³ and Z = 4. Refinement for 1004 observed reflections gives the final R of 0.088. There are four independent molecules per unit cell.     

Isolierung von 11α, 11′α-Dihydroxychaetocin aus Verticillium tenerum

Based on ¹³C-NMR. and other physico-chemical evidence, the structure of 11α, 11′α-dihydroxychaetocin ( 3 ) has been assigned to a new antibacterial and antimitotic metabolite, isolated from the fungus Verticillium tenerum.     

Kinetics of the reactions of cyclopropane derivatives. V. The gas-phase unimolecular reactions of 1 α-chloro-2α,3α-dimethylcyclopropane and 1α-chloro-2α,3β-dimethylcyclopropane

Thermolysis of the “all-cis” compound 1α-chloro-2α,3α-dimethylcyclopropane (A) at 550–607 K and 6–115 torr is a first-order homogeneous non-radical-chain process giving penta-1,3-diene (PD) and HCl as products. The Arrhenius parameters are log₁₀A(sec^?1) = 13.92 ± 0.08 and E = 199.6 ± 0.9 kJ/mol. The isomer with trans-methyl groups, 1α-chloro-2α,3β-dimethylcyclopropane (B) reacts by two parallel first-order processes giving as observed products trans-4-chloropent-2-ene (4CP) and PD + HCl, with log₁₀A(sec^?1) = 14.6 and 13.8, respectively, and E = 199.5 and 190.2 kJ/mol, respectively. The 4CP undergoes secondary decomposition to PD + HCl (as investigated previously). Comparison of the results for compounds (A) and (B) with those for other gas-phase and solution reactions leads to the conclusion that the gas-phase thermolyses proceed by rate-determining ring opening to form olefins which may decompose further by thermal or chemically activated reactions, and that the ring opening is a semiionic electrocyclic reaction in which alkyl groups in the 2,3-positions trans to the migrating chlorine semianion move apart, with appropriate consequences for the rate of reaction and the stereochemistry of the products.     

Metallkomplexe mit biologisch wichtigen Liganden. XCV. η5- Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl-Rhodium-, -Iridium-, (η6-Benzol)-Ruthenium- und Phosphan-Palladium-Komplexe von Prolinmethylester und Prolinamid

Metal Complexes of Biologically Important Ligands. XCV. η⁵-Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Rhodium, Iridium, η⁶- Benzene Ruthenium, and Phosphine Palladium Complexes of Proline Methylester and Proline Amide Proline methylester (L¹) and proline amide (L²) give with the chloro bridged complexes [(η⁵ -C₅Me₅)MCl₂]₂ (M ? Rh, Ir), [(η⁶ -benzene)RuCl₂]₂ and [Et₃PPdCl₂]₂ N and N,O coordinated compounds: (η⁵ -C₅Me₅)M(Cl₂)L¹ ( 1, 2 M ? Rh, Ir), [(η⁵-C₅Me₅) Rh(Cl)(L²)]⁺Cl^? ( 5 ), [(η⁶- C₆Me₆) Ru(Cl)(L²)]⁺Cl^? ( 6 ), [(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(Cl)(L²)]⁺Cl^? ( 7 ), [(eta;⁵-C₅Me₅)M(Cl)(L²-H⁺)] ( 9, 10 M ? Rh, Ir), (Et₃P)Pd(Cl)₂L¹ ( 3 ), and [(Et₃P)Pd(Cl)(L²)]⁺Cl^? ( 8 ). The NMR spectra indicate that for 5 and 6 only one diastereoisomer is formed. The complexes 1, 2, 3 and 5 were characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Photochemische Reaktionen. 109. Mitteilung [1]. Zur Photochemie konjugierter δ-Keto-enone und β,γ,δ,ϵ-ungesättigter Ketone

Photochemistry of Conjugated δ-Keto-enones and β,γ,δ,?-Unsaturated Ketones On ¹π,π*-excitation the δ-keto-enones 5–8 are isomerized to compounds B ( 18 , 22 , 26 , 28 ) via 1,3-acyl shift and to compounds C ( 19 , 23 , 27 , 29 ) via 1,2-acyl shift, whereas the β,γ,δ,?-unsaturated ketone 9 gives the isomers 32 and 33 by 1,2-and 1,5-acyl shift, respectively. Furthermore, isomerization of 6 to 24 , dimerization of 8 to 30 and addition of methanol to 8 ( 8 → 31 ) is observed. Unlike 7 and 8 the acyclic ketones 5 , 6 and 9 undergo photodecarbonylation on ¹π,π*-excitation ( 5 → 20 , 21 ; 6 → 20 , 25 ; (E)- 9 → 35–38 ). Evidence is given, that the conversion to B as well as the photodecarbonylation of 5,6 and 9 arise from an excited singulet state, but the conversion to C as well as the dimerization of 8 from the T₁-state.     

Darstellung und Struktur von Tetrafluoro(η5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)niob und Tetrafluoro(η5-cyclopentadienyl)niob

Preparation and Structure of Tetrafluoro(η⁵-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) Niobium and Tetrafluoro(η⁵-cyclopentadienyl) Niobium A facile preparation method for (η⁵-C₅Me₅)NbF₄ 3 and (η⁵-C₅H₅)NbF₄ 4 is reported by using AsF₃ as a fluorinating agent. Single crystals obtained from AsF₃ contain the solvent molecule as well as HF. The composition of the crystal is [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)NbF₄(AsF₃)₂]₂ · [(η⁵-C₅Me₅)NbF₄(HF)AsF₃]₂ 5 . The X-ray crystal structure of 5 will be reported. 5 crystallizes triclinic with one furmula in the space group P1 and lattice constants a = 843.1(4), b = 1154.9(6), c = 1910.2(10) pm, α = 91.68(3)°, β = 99.30(3)°, γ = 104.44(2)°.     

Synthesis of Phenanthrene Derivatives through the Reaction of an α,α‐Dicyanoolefin with α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

Phenanthrene derivatives were prepared by reacting an α,α‐dicyanoolefin with different α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds resulting from Wittig reaction of ninhydrin and phosphanylidene or condensation of barbituric acid and an aldehyde. The easy procedure, mild and metal‐catalyst free, reaction conditions, good yields, and no need for chromatographic purifications are important features of this protocol. The structures of the product of type 3 and 5 were corroborated spectroscopically (IR, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR, and EI‐MS). A plausible mechanism for this type of reaction is proposed (Scheme 1).     

Destabilized carbenium ions: α-carbomethoxy-α,α-dimethyl-methyl cations

Tertiary α-carbomethoxy-α,α-dimethyl-methyl cations a have been generated by electron impact induced fragmentation from the appropriately α-substituted methyl isobutyrates 1–4. The destabilized carbenium ions a can be distinguished from their more stable isomers protonated methyl methacrylate c and protonated methyl crotonate d by MIKE and CA spectra. The loss of I^— and Br˙ from the molecular ions of 1 and 2, respectively, predominantly gives rise to the destabilized ions a, whereas loss of Cl˙ from [3]^{+ ˙} results in a mixture of ions a and c. The loss of CH₃˙ from [4]⁺˙ favours skeletal rearrangement leading to ions d. The characteristic reactions of the destabilized ions a are the loss of CO and elimination of methanol. The loss of CO is associated by a very large KER and non-statistical kinetic energy release (T₅₀ = 920 meV). Specific deuterium labelling experiments indicate that the α-carbomethoxy-α,α-dimethyl-methyl cations a rearrange via a 1,4-H shift into the carbonyl protonated methyl methacrylate c and eventually into the alkyl-O protonated methyl methacrylate before the loss of methanol. The hydrogen rearrangements exhibit a deuterium isotope effect indicating substantial energy barriers between the [C₅H₉O₂]⁺ isomers. Thus the destabilized carbenium ion a exists as a kinetically stable species within a potential energy well.