| Abstract: | The living anions of oligomeric α-methalystyrene in THF transform to a new anion in the presence of excess monomer and UV light. Kinetic results have demonstrated that one step in this process is the second-order disappearance of monomer to form a dimeric intermediate. We have attempted to prepare this intermediate. Contrary to other reports, no hydrogen was liberated on terminating the reactions mixture with water, and an oily liquid which was identified as 1-methyl-1,3-diphenyl-cyclopentane was isolated. However, this is not the intermediate; the true intermediate is 2,5-diphenylhex-1-ene and under the conditions of the reaction the former compound is formed from this by a cyclization reaction. |
