SYNTHESIS AND X-RAY CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE OF BIS-3,3'-(NITRO-NNO-AZOXY)-DIFURAZANYL ETHER

Two approaches to the synthesis of bis-3,3'-(nitro-NNO-azoxy)difurazan yl ether 2 have been tested, that is, varying the sequence of the intr oduction of the nitro-NNO-azoxy group and ether bridge. Difurazanyl et her formation through base-promoted transformation of nitrofurazans ha s been studied in which the nitro groups were activated by ortho elect ron-withdrawing substituents such as nitro-NNO-azoxy and tert-butyl-NN O-azoxy groups. The nitro-NNO-azoxy group was formed by destructive N- nitration of the tert-butyl-NNO-azoxy group. The X-ray crystal structu re of 2 is reported.