The reaction of p-substituted nitrosobenzenes with N-alkyl-N-arylhydroxylamines

Abstract

The reaction between N-benzyl-N-phenylhydroxylamine and para-substituted nitrosobenzenes has been investigated and the products have been identified. Kinetic studies show that the reaction is bimolecular in the early stages and that this initial rate is profoundly influenced by the nature of the para-substituent. A reaction mechanism involving an initial electron-transfer step within a cyclic assembly is proposed.