The Synthesis and Photochemistry of p-Dimethylamino-p′-nitrodiphenylethyne: a Push-Pull Acetylene

Abstract

The title compound (2) was prepared as a possible precursor to a push- pull cyclobutadiene, and its photochemistry examined under a wide range of conditions. The principal reaction observed was loss of a methyl group, and no evidence for bimolecular reactions was observed. The alkyne (2) readily added water, acetic acid and HCl to give the expected products, but failed to react with Fe₂(CO)₉. ¹H and ¹³C n.m.r , data are reported.