Thermal isomerization of benzene cis-trioxide (3,6,9-trioxatetracyclo[6.1.0.0.0]nonane)

Abstract

Benzene cis-trioxide has been pyrolysed in the gas phase in the temperature range 475–537 K. Only one product, all -cis-1, 4, 7-trioxacyclononatriene, was observed. First-order rate constants taken from the upper part of this range (515–537 K) fit the Arrhenius equation (i). The reaction is probably unimolecular and a detailed mechanism is discussed. log₁₀(k/s^–1)= 14.9 ± 0.6 –(176 900 ± 6 200 J mol^–1)/RTln10 (i)