Thermal decomposition of some aromatic peracetals [αα-bis(alkyldioxy)-toluenes]

Abstract

Four para-substituted benzaldehyde peracetals [αα-bis(alkyldioxy)toluenes] have been synthesized along with the parent compound and their rates of thermal decomposition in solution studies. In all cases kinetics which were first order in the peracetal were observed. The decomposition rate was lowered by electron-withdrawing para-substituents and increased by electron-donating groups. A reasonable linear Hammett plot was obtained. Some mechanistic aspects on the decomposition of benzaldehyde peracetal are discussed.