The thermal decomposition of 2,2 '-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) in the presence of 2,6-Di-t-butyl and 2,6-diphenyl-1,4-benzoquinone

The thermal decem position of 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) in the pre sence of 216-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone results in the formation of 2,6-di -t-butyl-1,4-di(2-cyano-2-propoxy)benzene as the only addition product, whe reas the thermal decomposition of the azo compound in the presence of 2,6-d iphenyl-1,4,benzoquinone gives rise to the formation of the corresponding d iether (major product), together with smaller amounts of both possible mono ethers. 2,5-Di-t-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone failed to give any addition product s, in agreement with earlier reports. Possible mechanisms are discussed. (C ) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.