DIRECT C-C TRIPLE BOND FORMATION FROM THE C=C DOUBLE-BOND AND DIRECT HYDROXYLATION INTO THE O-POSITION OF A NITRO-GROUP ON THE BENZENE NUCLEUS WITH POTASSIUM T-BUTOXIDE IN N,N-DIMETHYLFORMAMIDE IN THE AIR

A novel and facile method for direct C=C acetylenic bond formation from the C=C double bond by treatment with potassium t-butoxide (t-BuOK) in N,N-dimethylformamide in the air has been found in a 9, 10-bis(4-substituted styryl)anthracene series, in 4-substituted 4'-nitrostilbene series, and in 1-(p-nitrophenyl)-4-(p-substituted phenyl)-1,3-butadiene series; its scope and limitations have been examined. The ESR spectrum of the reaction against 4-diethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene was measured to identify an anion radical species expected for explanation of the mechanism of the dehydrogenation reaction. Further, cyclic voltammetric measurements of a series of stilbenes and diphenylacetylenes were carried out in connection with the above mechanism. In many cases, interestingly, the use of a large excess of t-BuOK brought about succeeding hydroxylation into the ortho-position of a nitro group on the benzene nucleus. The simple hydroxylation is useful for the synthesis of substituted 5-(arylethynyl)-2-nitrophenols, which are expected to function as non-linear optical materials with the corresponding non-hydroxy compounds. The ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectral properties were measured and discussed also with those of the related compounds.