A matrix isolation study of 2-isopropylidenecyclopentane-1,3-diyl (Berson-type diradical)

J Org Chem. 2006 Aug 18;71(17):6607-10. doi: 10.1021/jo060587l.

Abstract

The photodenitrogenation of diazene 5 in an argon matrix at 10 K permitted the first observation of an IR spectrum of 2-isopropylidenecyclopentane-1,3-diyl 2 (a Berson-type diradical). A comparison of the IR spectrum with a vibrational simulation at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory revealed that the diradical 2 has a planar structure. The oxygen-trapping reaction of 2 produced regioselectively fused peroxide 6 in an oxygen-doped argon matrix at 10 K. Irradiation of the diradical 2 afforded enyne 8 in an argon matrix at 10 K.