Di(tert-butyl)diazomethan: Thermische Zersetzung und Einelektronen-Redox-Reaktionen

Di(tert-butyl)diazomethane: Thermal Decomposition and One-Electron Redox Reactions. Di(tert-butyl)diazomethane is a potential precursor for the still unknown, presumably sterically overcrowded tetrakis(tert-butyl)ethane and, therefore, re-investigated. Its (Hel) photoelectron spectrum exhibits a low first vertical ionization energy of only 7.45 eV. Based on the ionization pattern, both the thermal decomposition above 600 K under nearly unimolecular conditions as well as the N₂ elimination at the surface of contacts, Ni_x/C]_∞, Rh₄(CO)₁₂/SiO₂]_∞, Rh_x/SiO₂]_∞, and Ag₂CO₃]_∞ are analyzed in a flow-system. Heterogeneously catalyzed, N₂ is split off already at room temperature, but in contrast to results for sterically less shielded diazo compounds, no dimer is formed, and only mixtures of known di(tert-butyl)carbene-isomerization products are isolated. Cyclic voltammetry at 233 K using a glassy carbon electrode proves a reversible oxidation followed by N₂ elimination at higher temperatures and an irreversible reduction. On chemical oxidation, however, no paramagnetic species can be detected, whereas chemical reduction at a potassium metal mirror in a THF solution containing (2.2.2)cryptand, yields the radical anion characterized by ESR spectroscopy. Without a cation-chelating ligand, the radical anion of a hitherto unknown dimer, ((CH₃)₃C)₂C?N? N?N? N?C(C(CH₃)₃) ₂' ^?, is generated, which dissociates at higher temperature, forming ((CH₃)₃C)₂?N₂' ^?. This one-electron reduction product of di(tert-butyl)diazomethane can also be detected after quickly warming up a solution containing presumably the radical anion of the triphenylphosphane adduct ((CH₃)₃C)₂C?N? N? PPh₃' ^?. In one of these reduction reactions, a N₂ elimination is observed.