The photolysis of cycloalkyl nitrites esters: The radical intermediates as studied by EPR

The radical intermediates involved in the photolysis of alicyclic nitrites have been identified by EPR spectroscopy. In particular, cyclobutyl nitrite allows detection of the 2-pyrrolidinone-1-oxyl whose formation involves a 1,5-exo ring closure process which the 4-nitroso-1-acyl radical intermediate can undergo. Furthermore,experimental evidence supports for the formation of the alkyl alkoxy nitroxides a different reaction mechanism which involves an alkyl radical and an unreacted nitrite. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.