Matrix isolation EPR study of novel radical cations from bicyclic[3.2.0] and monocyclic C7H8 and C7H10 compounds

Abstract

The radical cations of bicyclo[3.2.0]hepta-2,6-diene and bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-ene have been obtained by γ-irradiation of the parent compounds in Freon matrices and their structures investigated by EPR spectroscopy and MNDO and INDO calculations. In a CFCl₃ matrix, ring opening to the isomeric cycloheptatriene and cycloheptadiene radical cations occurred, whereas in a CF₂ClCFCl₂ matrix the prevalent reaction was deprotonation to the neutral bicyclo[3.2.0]hepta-2,6-dien-4-yl and bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-4-yl radicals, respectively.