The effect of topologically controlled coulombic interactions on the regioselectivity of the reductive cleavage of alkyl phenyl ethers

Abstract

The importance of electrostatic effects in the chemical evolution of charged intermediates of the radical anion type is demonstrated. Thus, the regioselectivity of the electron transfer-induced reductive cleavage of alkyl 2,6-diphenylphenyl ethers and alkyl 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl ethers is completely reversed when a positive charge is placed in a controlled manner near the alkyl ether bond.