Photochemical nucleophile-olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction: methanol, beta-myrcene, and 1,4-dicyanobenzene. Intramolecular cyclization of an ene-diene radical cation

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (9) ◽  
pp. 1238-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A McManus
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Spin Distribution ◽  
Intermediate Radical ◽  
High Level

The photochemical nucleophile-olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction of methanol, 7-methyl-3-methylene-1,6-octadiene ( β-myrcene, 1), and 1,4-dicyanobenzene yields five 1:1:1 adducts:cis-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylenecyclohexane (15), trans-2-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylenecyclohexane (16), 1-(4-cyanophenylmethyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)cyclohexene (17), 4-[4-methoxy-3,3-dimethylcyclohex-(E)-1-ylidenyl]methylbenzonitrile (18), and 4-(1-vinyl-4-trans-methoxy-3,3-dimethylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile (19). All of these adducts are cyclic; variation in the product ratio as a function of methanol concentration indicates cyclization is occurring, 1,6-endo, with both the initially formed radical cation and with the intermediate β-alkoxyalkyl radicals. Evidence based upon comparison of the ionization and oxidation potential of β-myrcene with model alkenes and with conjugated dienes indicates the initial electron transfer involves the trisubstituted mono alkene moiety; the diene moiety, mono-substituted at a nodal position, has a higher oxidation potential. High-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) provide useful information regarding the nature (relative energies and charge and spin distribution) of the intermediate radical cations, which supports the proposed reaction mechanism. Key words: photoinduced electron transfer, radicals, radical cations, β-myrcene, cyclization.

Photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction, Part 13. The scope and limitations of the reaction with cyanide anion as the nucleophile

1997 ◽  
Vol 75 (8) ◽  
pp. 1055-1075 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A. McManus ◽  
Mary S.W. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Radical Cation ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Radical Intermediate ◽  
Cyanide Anion ◽  
Alkyl Radicals ◽  
Alkyl Substitution ◽  
The Stability ◽  
High Level

The scope of the photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction has been extended to include cyanide anion as the nucleophile. Highest yields of adducts were obtained when the alkene or diene has an oxidation potential less than ca. 1.5 V (SCE). No adducts were obtained from 2-methylpropene (9), oxidation potential 2.6 V. Oxidation of cyanide anion, by the radical cation of the alkene or diene, can compete with the combination. With the alkenes, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (2) and 2-methyl-2-butene (10), both nitriles and isonitriles were obtained; isonitriles were not detected from the reactions involving the dienes, 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (11), 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene (12), 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (13), 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene (14), and 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (6). The specificity, nitrile versus isonitrile, is explained in terms of the Hard-Soft-Acid-Base (HSAB) principle. The photo-NOCAS reaction also occurs with the allene, 2,4-dimethyl-2,3-pentadiene (15), cyanide combining at the central carbon. Factors influencing the regiochemistry of the combination step, Markovnikov versus anti-Markovnikov, have been defined. Cyanide anion adds preferentially to the less alkyl-substituted, less sterically hindered, end of an unsymmetric alkene or conjugated diene radical cation, forming the more heavily alkyl-substituted radical intermediate. High-level abinitio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) have been used to determine the effect of alkyl substitution on the stability of the intermediates, β-cyano and β-isocyano alkyl radicals, and products, alkyl cyanides and isocyanides. The more heavily alkyl-substituted radical is not necessarily the more stable. The product ratio (Markovnikov versus anti-Markovnikov) must be kinetically controlled. Keywords: photochemistry, radical ions, electron transfer, nitriles, isonitriles.

Photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction, Part 12. Factors controlling the regiochemistry of the reaction with alcohol as the nucleophile

1996 ◽  
Vol 74 (11) ◽  
pp. 2143-2166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Mary S. W. Chan ◽  
Kimberly A. McManus
Keyword(s):  
Ab Initio ◽  
Molecular Orbital ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Major Product ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Intermediate Radical ◽  
High Level ◽  
Allylic Radical

The photo-NOCAS reaction that combines methanol, serving as the nucleophile, and the radical cation of 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (14+•), substituting on the 1,4-dicyanobenzene radical anion (1−•), yields (E)-1-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-methoxy-4-methyl-2-pentene (15) as the major product. This regioisomer arises from bonding of methanol to C-4, the more heavily alkyl-substituted carbon of the diene, giving the less alkyl-substituted allylic radical. All previous examples of the photo-NOCAS reaction have yielded major adduct(s) having regiochemistry consistent with the anti-Markovnikov rule; the more heavily substituted (more stable?) β-alkoxyalkyl radical was the predominant intermediate. Empirically derived heats of formation and high-level ab initio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) provide convincing evidence that of the two alternative allylic radicals, generated upon addition of methanol to 14+•, that which has the more alkyl substituted allylic radical moiety is, in fact, not the more stable. Of course, the total structure of the intermediate must be considered; the stabilizing effect of alkyl substitution on the carbon next to the oxygen of the ether moiety cannot be ignored. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations (MP2/6-31G*//HF/6-31G*) are reported for the radical cations of 2-methylpropene (2+•), 2-methyl-2-butene (6+•), 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene (9+•), 4-methyl-1,3-pentadiene (14+•), and 2,4-dimethyl-1,3-pentadiene (18+•) Calculations were also carried out on possible intermediates (bridged radical cations, distonic radical cations, and β-alkoxyalkyl radicals) involved upon reaction of these radical cations with methanol. Results of these calculations provide a basis for explaining/predicting the regiochemistry of the photo-NOCAS reaction involving methanol as the nucleophile: the major adduct(s) result(s) from attachment of methanol to that end of the alkene or diene which gives rise to the more stable intermediate radical. The more stable radical is not necessarily the more heavily alkyl substituted. Key words: photoinduced electron transfer, radicals, radical cations, ab initio molecular orbital calculations.

Photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction. Part 6: methanol, nonconjugated dienes, and 1,4-dicyanobenzene

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-429 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Kimberly A. McManus ◽  
Xinyao Du
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Double Bond ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Double Bonds ◽  
Excited Singlet ◽  
Reaction Conditions ◽  
Methanol Solutions ◽  
Cyclic Adducts

Irradiation, through Pyrex, of an acetonitrile–methanol (3:1) solution of 1,4-dicyanobenzene (1) and 1,5-hexadiene (9) leads to formation of ortho and meta cyclic adducts (13–16) arising from the intermediate exciplex. There was no evidence for interaction between the two double bonds of this nonconjugated diene. The oxidation potential of 9 is high enough (> 3 V vs. sce) to preclude single electron transfer (SET); no photo-NOCAS products are formed. Similar irradiation of acetonitrile–methanol solutions of 1 and 2-methyl-1,5-hexadiene (10) does yield a photo-NOCAS product (17); reaction occurs only on the more heavily substituted double bond. The additional substitution on the double bond lowers the oxidation potential (2.70 V vs. sce) of this diene to the point where SET from 10 to the excited singlet state of 1 can occur. In this case, no cycloaddition products are formed; the exciplex is quenched by electron transfer. There was no evidence for interaction between the two double bonds of the initially formed radical cation 10+•, or between the terminal double bond and the β-alkoxyalkyl radical of the intermediate leading to the photo-NOCAS product. The photo-NOCAS product (19) was also formed when 2,5-dimethyl-1,5-hexadiene (11) was subjected to these reaction conditions. In this case, when biphenyl (4) was added as a codonor, in addition to the photo-NOCAS product, products (21cis and trans) resulting from cyclization of the initially formed acyclic radical cation 11+• to give the 1,4-dimethylcyclohexane-1,4-diyl radical cation were also observed. This 1,6-endo, endo cyclization of 11+• must be rapid enough to compete with reaction with methanol. There was no evidence for cyclization (neither 1,4-exo nor 1,5-endo) of the intermediate β-alkoxyalkyl radical. When the radical cation of 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-hexadiene (12+•) is generated under these reaction conditions, photo-NOCAS products 22 and 23 are formed at the more heavily substituted double bond, along with the conjugated tautomer 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene (24). The mechanisms for these transformations are discussed.

The effect of meta- and para-methoxy substitution on the reactivity of the radical cations of arylalkenes and alkanes. Radical ions in photochemistry. Part 26

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 839-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Xinyao Du ◽  
Kerstin M. Henseleit
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Bond Cleavage ◽  
Cation Radical ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Addition Product ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Carbon Carbon Bond ◽  
Markovnikov Addition ◽  
Cis And Trans

The effect of meta- and para-methoxy substitution on the reactivity of some radical cations has been determined. The compounds chosen for study were 1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylethylene (7), 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylethylene (8), 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)indene (9), 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)indene (10), methyl 2-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl ether (11), methyl 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl ether (12), cis- and trans-2-methoxy-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)indane (13), and cis- and trans-2-methoxy-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)indane (14). The radical cations of these compounds were generated by photosensitization (electron transfer) using 1,4-dicyanobenzene (3) as the electron acceptor. The three reactions studied were: (1) The addition of nucleophiles (methanol) to the radical cation of the arylalkenes, a reaction that yields the anti-Markovnikov addition product. (2) The carbon–carbon bond cleavage of radical cations, which yields products derived from the radical and carbocation fragments. (3) The deprotonation of the radical cation, a reaction that can be used to invert the configuration at a saturated carbon centre. The mechanisms of these reactions are discussed and the factors that need to be considered in order to predict reactivity are defined. Molecular orbital calculations (UHF/STO-3G) were carried out on the radical cations of the model compounds 3- and 4-vinylanisole and 3- and 4-methylanisole. Key words: photochemistry, photosensitize (electron transfer), radical cation, radical.

The photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction. Part 5: methanol–monoterpenes (α- and β-pinene, tricyclene, and nopol), 1,4-dicyanobenzene

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Xinyao Du
Keyword(s):  
Radical Cation ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Hydroxyl Group ◽  
Ring Cleavage ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Alkyl Cations ◽  
Alkyl Moiety ◽  
Cyclobutane Ring ◽  
Tertiary Alkyl

The reactivity of the radical cations of α- and β-pinene (8 and 9), tricyclene (18), and nopol (23) has been studied. The radical ions were generated, in acetonitrile–methanol (3:1), by single electron transfer (set) to the singlet excited state of 1,4-di-cyanobenzene (1). Biphenyl (3) was used as a codonor. The cyclobutane rings of the initially formed radical cations of α- and β-pinene (8+• and 9+•) cleave to distonic radical cations that react as tertiary alkyl cations and allylic radicals. The results of ab initio molecular orbital calculations (STO-3G) are consistent with the observation that the positive charge is largely associated with the tertiary alkyl moiety while the spin density is largely distributed over the allylic radical. There was no evidence, experimental or theoretical, indicative of a bonding interaction between the cationic and allylic moieties of these distonic radical cations. The cyclobutane ring cleavage is irreversible. The radical cation of tricyclene (18) also gives 1:1:1 (nucleophile:cyclopropyl:aromatic) adducts. The regio- and stereochemistry of the adducts, and the nucleophile selectivity, are all indicative of nucleophile-assisted cleavage of the radical cation (18+•). The radical cation of nopol (23+•) also cleaves to the distonic radical cation. The cyclobutane ring cleavage must be rapid; intramolecular 1,5-endo cyclization of the hydroxyl group cannot compete.

The photochemical nucleophile–olefin combination, aromatic substitution (photo-NOCAS) reaction. Part 8: methanol–2-carene, and 1,4-dicyanobenzene

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 522-530 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Xinyao Du ◽  
Huub J.P. de Lijser
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Molecular Orbital ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Bond Cleavage ◽  
Radical Reaction ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Aromatic Substitution ◽  
Cyanide Ion ◽  
Bond Forming ◽  
Allylic Radical

The structure and reactivity of the radical cation of (+)-2-carene ((1S,6R)-3,7,7-trimethyl-cis-bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-ene (3)) have been studied. The radical cation was generated by photoinduced single electron transfer to the first electronically excited singlet state of 1,4-dicyanobenzene in acetonitrile–methanol (3:1). The 1:1:1 (methanol:2-carene:1,4-dicyanobenzene) adducts were formed: trans-3-(4-cyanophenyl)-4-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-1-methylcyclohexene(14), and cis- (15) and trans-3-(4-cyanophenyl)-6-(1-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-3-methylcyclohexene (16) in a combined yield of 80%. The efficiency of the reaction and the yield of products were increased by the addition of biphenyl, serving as a codonor. These photo-NOCAS adducts formally result from cleavage of the three-membered ring of the 2-carene radical cation, at the C1—C7 bond, forming the tertiary carbocation and allylic radical. Reaction of the cation with methanol and coupling of the allylic radical with the 1,4-dicyanobenzene radical anion at the ipso position, followed by loss of cyanide ion, completes the sequence. There was no evidence for cleavage of the C1—C6 bond under these conditions; however, when the irradiation was carried out in acetonitrile (no methanol) the (+)-2-carene was partially racemized. Racemization is indicative of C1—C6 bond cleavage. The results of abinitio molecular orbital calculations (STO-3G) provide insight into the extent of C1—C7 bond cleavage in the radical cation. The calculated spin and charge distribution, on the 2-carene radical cation global minimum (3a+•), is consistent with the observed regiospecificity of adduct formation. Keywords: photoinduced electron transfer, radical ions, molecular orbital calculations, bond cleavage, 2-carene.

The effect of meta- or para-cyano substitution on the reactivity of the radical cations of arylalkenes and alkanes. Radical ions in photochemistry, Part 34

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Xinyao Du ◽  
Jing Chen
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Molecular Orbital ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Single Electron Transfer ◽  
Radical Ions ◽  
Benzylic Carbon ◽  
Carbon Carbon Bond ◽  
Cis And Trans

The effect of electron-withdrawing substituents, meta- or para-cyano, on the reactivity of the radical cation of arylalkenes and alkanes has been determined. The radical cations were generated by single electron transfer (set) to an electron-accepting photosensitizer. Three reactions were studied: (i) the addition of nucleophile to the radical cation of arylalkenes, (ii) cleavage of the benzylic carbon–carbon bond of the radical cation of arylalkanes; and (iii) the deprotonation of the benzylic carbon–hydrogen bond of the radical cation of arylalkanes. The radical cations of 4-(1-phenylethenyl)benzonitrile (1b), 3-(1-phenylethenyl)benzonitrile (1c), 4-(2-methoxy-1-phenylethyl)benzonitrile (2b), 3-(2-methoxy-1-phenylethyl)benzonitrile (2c), cis- and trans-5-cyano-2-methoxy-1-phenylindane (6b-cis and -trans), and 6-cyano-3-phenylindene (7b) were generated, by single electron transfer to the lowest excited singlet state of 1,4-dicyanobenzene (3), in acetonitrile–methanol. The radical cations of 1b, 1c, and 7b react with methanol to yield the anti-Markovnikov adducts (2b, 2c, and 6b-cis and 6b-trans). The radical cations of 2b, 2c, and 6b-trans cleave at the benzylic carbon–carbon bond to give products derived from the radical and carbocation fragments. The radical cation of 6b-cis deprotonates from the benzylic position with subsequent formation of the diastereomer, 6b-trans. This behaviour can be explained/predicted on the basis of the proposed mechanisms for these reactions. Molecular orbital calculations (AM1) support the conclusions. Keywords: photosensitized, electron transfer, radical ions, radicals, molecular orbital calculations (AM1).

Photosensitized (electron transfer) carbon–carbon bond cleavage of radical cations: the 2-phenylethyl ether and acetal systems

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 2119-2127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Laurie J. Lamont
Keyword(s):  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Bond Strength ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Bond Cleavage ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Carbon Bond ◽  
Carbon Carbon Bond ◽  
Cast Doubt

The scope of the photosensitized (electron transfer) carbon–carbon bond cleavage involving radical cations has been defined for 2-phenylethyl ethers and acetals. The thresholds for reactivity of the monophenylethyl and gem-diphenylethyl derivatives are compared. While the radical cation of methyl 2,2-diphenylethyl ether (7) cleaves to give ultimately diphenylmethane (2) and dimethoxymethane (8), the radical cation of methyl 2-phenylethyl ether (9) was stable under these conditions. In contrast to the lack of reactivity of the radical cation of 9, the radical cations of methyl 2-phenyl-2-propyl ether (11), methyl 2-phenylcyclopentyl ether (13), and 2-phenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (16) cleave. Cleavage in the monophenylethyl series is limited to formation of a carbocation at least as stable as the secondary α-oxyalkyl or di-α-oxyalkyl. The basis for predicting this type of reactivity of radical cations is defined. The rate of carbon–carbon bond cleavage is increased by increasing the oxidation potential of the molecule, by decreasing the carbon–carbon bond strength, and (or) by decreasing the oxidation potential of that fragment that will become the carbocation. The results obtained from the reactions of 2-diphenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (14) and 2-phenylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane (16) cast doubt on the published oxidation potential for the 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl radical. Keywords: photochemistry, radical cation, electron transfer, bond cleavage, radical.

Radical ions in photochemistry. 21. The photosensitized (electron transfer) tautomerization of alkenes; the phenyl alkene system

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 689-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Shelley A. Mines
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Bond ◽  
Electron Transfer ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Radical Anion ◽  
Phenyl Group ◽  
Oxidation Potential ◽  
Original Position ◽  
Acetonitrile Solution ◽  
Steric Interaction ◽  
Ambident Anion

Alkenes, conjugated with a phenyl group, can be converted to nonconjugated tautomers by sensitized (electron transfer) irradiation. For example, irradiation of an acetonitrile solution of the conjugated alkene 1-phenylpropene, the electron accepting photosensitizer 1,4-dicyanobenzene, the cosensitizer biphenyl, and the base 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine gave the nonconjugated tautomer 3-phenylpropene in good yield. Similarly, 2-methyl-1-phenylpropene gave 2-methyl-3-phenylpropene, and 1-phenyl-1-butene gaveE- and Z-1-phenyl-2-butene. The reaction also works well with cyclic alkenes. For example, 1-phenylcyclohexene gave 3-phenylcyclohexene, and 1-(phenylmethylene)cyclohexane gave 1-(phenylmethyl)cyclohexene. The proposed mechanism involves the initial formation of the alkene radical cation and the sensitizer radical anion, induced by irradiation of the sensitizer and mediated by the cosensitizer. Deprotonation of the radical cation assisted by the base gives the ambident radical, which is then reduced to the anion by the sensitizer radical anion. Protonation of the ambident anion at the benzylic position completes the sequence. Reprotonation at the original position is an energy wasting step. Tautomerization is driven toward the isomer with the higher oxidation potential, which is, in the cases studied, the less thermodynamically stable isomer. The regioselectivity of the deprotonation step is dependent upon the conformation of the allylic carbon–hydrogen bond. The tautomerization of 2-methyl- 1-phenylbutene gave both 2-phenylmethyl-1-butène and 2-methyl-1-phenyl-2-butene (E and Z isomers), while 2,3-dimethyl- 1-phenylbutene gave only 3-methyl-2-phenylmethyl-1 -butene. In the latter case, steric interaction of the methyls on the isopropyl group prevents effective overlap of the tertiary carbon–hydrogen bond with the singly occupied molecular orbital, thus inhibiting deprotonation from this site. Keywords: photosensitized, electron transfer, alkene, tautomerization, radical cation.

Cleavage of the radical cations of alkenes; 1-butene and 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene. Ab initio calculations on the interaction between the allyl and alkyl radical and carbocation moieties

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 1365-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinyao Du ◽  
Donald R. Arnold ◽  
Russell J. Boyd ◽  
Zheng Shi
Keyword(s):  
Ab Initio Calculations ◽  
Ab Initio ◽  
Radical Cation ◽  
Alkyl Radical ◽  
Radical Cations ◽  
Molecular Orbital Calculations ◽  
Allyl Radical ◽  
Allyl Cation ◽  
Tert Butyl ◽  
Carbon Carbon Bond

Carbon–carbon bond cleavage of the radical cations of 1-butene [Formula: see text] and 4,4-dimethyl-1-pentene [Formula: see text] will generate the allyl and alkyl radical and carbocation fragments. Alternative bonding arrangements between the allyl and methyl moieties in [Formula: see text] and between the allyl and tert-butyl moieties in [Formula: see text] possible metastable intermediates or transition states preceding complete separation of the fragments, have been investigated by ab initio molecular orbital calculations. Structures were fully optimized at the UHF/6-31G* or UHF/STO-3G levels, and some of the calculations on [Formula: see text] were expanded with single point MP2/6-31G*//UHF/6-31G* computations. The C4H8+ radical cation, having a structure similar to that of 1-butene, is more stable than the separated fragments: 183 kj mol−1 lower in energy than the sum of the energies of the allyl cation and the methyl radical, and 385 kJ mol−1 lower than the sum of the energies of an allyl radical and a methyl cation, at the MP2/6-31G* level. The corresponding values at the UHF/STO-3G level are 276 and 415 kj mol−1, respectively. There is less bonding interaction between the allyl and tert-butyl moieties in [Formula: see text] The summation of the energies of the allyl radical and tert-butyl cation is 123 kj mol−1 lower than the summation of the energies of the allyl cation and tert-butyl radical, and 115 kJ mol−1 higher in energy than the bonded radical cation [Formula: see text] at the UHF/STO-3G level. These calculated values are compared with thermochemical data and with experimental results on the cleavage of these, and related, radical cations. Key words: radical cation, cleavage, ab initio calculations, electron transfer, photochemistry.

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