Why do the [PhSiO1.5]8,10,12 cages self-brominate primarily in the ortho position? Modeling reveals a strong cage influence on the mechanism

Daniel Hashemi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

(PhSiO 1.5 ) 8,10,12  cages are bulky, electron withdrawing like CF 3 ; yet self-brominate (60 °C), favoring  ortho  substitution: PhT 8  (≈85%), PhT 10  (≈75%) and PhT 12  (60%). First-principles calculations suggest bromination initiates when Br 2  is “trapped”  via  H-bonding to  ortho -H's, followed by polarization  via  strong interactions with  cage faces , possibly cage LUMOs.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalPhys. Chem. Chem. Phys.
StatePublished - Oct 20 2014

Disciplines

  • Engineering
  • Physical Sciences and Mathematics

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