Chemical approaches toward generation of nitroxyl.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the chemical approaches toward the generation of nitroxyl. Nitroxyl (HNO) is an unstable molecule that has only been observed in the gas phase and by matrix isolation. Because of the highly reactive nature of nitroxyl, the direct detection of this compound remains difficult. There are basically two chemical strategies for the generation of nitroxyl (HNO). The disproportionating of hydroxylamines possessing good leaving groups attached to nitrogen represents one general method for nitroxyl formation. Alternatively, the hydrolysis of acyl nitroso compounds or their reaction with nucleophiles to form nitroxyl and the corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives presents a second chemical approach to nitroxyl formation. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the preparation of methanesulfohydroxamic acid [N- (methanesulfonyl) hydroxylamine].