The reaction of 3-substituted oxetanes with nitric acid in dichloromethane

Abstract

The reactions of 3-phenyloxetane 1, 3-(4-nitrophenyl)oxetane 5 and 3,3-pentamethyleneoxetane 7 with nitric acid in dichloromethane or trichloromethane under anhydrous conditions have been investigated. Quantitative conversion to 2-substituted propane-1,3-diol dinitrates occurs. Compound 1 reacts initially by a mixture of ortho- and para-aromatic nitration and oxetane ring-opening. Aromatic nitrations of 1 and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, the former reacting through its majority hydrogen-bonded complexed form, are approximately sixth order in nitric acid and proceed at a comparable rate. The oxetane ring-opening reactions are approximately second order in nitric acid except in the case of 3-(2-nitrophenyl)oxetane 3, where there is evidence of intramolecular catalysis by the nitro group.