Electron spin resonance studies of radicals and radical-ions in solution. Part IV. Further intermediates in the reduction of aromatic nitro- and nitroso-compounds

Abstract

The oxidation and reduction of nitrosobenzene, phenylhydroxylamine, and some of their derivatives have been studied by electron spin resonance methods in a variety of solvents. From the observed spectra the species PhNO^– and PhṄHO have been identified. PhNO^– is observed only in strongly alkaline solution and in the immediate vicinity of the cathode during the electrolytic reduction of nitrosobenzene. In neutral or acid solution PhNO^–is replaced by PhNHO which is identical with the first oxidation product of phenylhydroxylamine. The role of these paramagnetic species in the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds is discussed briefly.