EXTENDED RADICAL-CATION OF DIPHENYL DISULFIDE AND OXIDATIVE CYCLIZATION ON A PENTASIL ZEOLITE - AN EPR STUDY

Incorporation of diphenyl disulfide (1) into a pentasil zeolite (Na-ZS M5) results in the formation of the extended radical cation, 1(.+), as well as thianthrenium radical cation (2(.+)) formed by oxidative cycl ization. The stabilization of 1(.+) on the internal surfaces of the ze olite is unprecedented because in solution it is converted spontaneous ly into 2(.+). A mechanism for the conversion of l(.+) to 2(.+) consis tent with processes observed on the internal surfaces of the zeolite i s proposed.