Stabilization of long-chain intermediates in solution. Tridecyl radicals and cations

Abstract Tetradecanoic acid was decarboxylated by means of lead(IV) acetate (LTA) under thermal (81 °C) and photolytic (r.t.) conditions in benzene solution. The mixture of products, obtained in thermal reaction, consists of esters (acetoxyalkanes and carboxylates), tridecenes, tridecane and phenyltridecane. Additionally, tetradecane and hexacosane, under photolytic conditions, were formed. The classes of products and their distribution might be explained by presence of intermediate 1-tridecyl radical which can undergo intramolecular (result in formation of rearranged carbon centered radicals) and intermolecular stabilization pathways. Experimentally obtained results were used as input data for computational Monte Carlo simulation study of the reaction. On the basis of these results, radical rearrangements, as well as hydride shifts in tridecyl system are discussed.