Reaction Mechanism
The mechanism of the Wharton reaction begins with reaction of the ketone (1) with hydrazine to form a hydrazone (2). Rearrangement of the hydrazone gives intermediate 3, which can decompose giving off nitrogen gas forming the desired product 4. Stork et al. have investigated the mechanism of the final decomposition and found that it can proceed by an ionic mechanism or a radical mechanism depending on reaction temperature, solvent used, and structure of intermediate 3.
Notice that the alcohol retains the configuration of the starting epoxide. The reaction is named after Peter Stanley Wharton.
Read more about this topic: Wharton Reaction
Famous quotes containing the words reaction and/or mechanism:
“An actor must communicate his author’s given message—comedy, tragedy, serio- comedy; then comes his unique moment, as he is confronted by the looked-for, yet at times unexpected, reaction of the audience. This split second is his; he is in command of his medium; the effect vanishes into thin air; but that moment has a power all its own and, like power in any form, is stimulating and alluring.”
—Eleanor Robson Belmont (1878–1979)
“I’ve never known a Philadelphian who wasn’t a downright “character;” possibly a defense mechanism resulting from the dullness of their native habitat.”
—Anita Loos (1888–1981)