Formation of "methylene" nitrones in some nitrosoarene - olefin reactions

Abstract

On the basis of preliminary kinetic investigations, the mechanism of addition of nitrosobenzene to styrene and similar compounds was advanced as occurring by an initial 2 + 2 cycloaddition of styrene and nitrosobenzene followed by ring opening to a diradical species which reacts with additional nitrosobenzene to form isomeric 2,3,5-triphenyl-1,2,5-oxadiazolidine-N-oxides.