EPR and pulsed ENDOR study of intermediates from reactions of aromatic azides with group 13 metal trichlorides.

The reactions of group 13 metal trichlorides with aromatic azides were examined by CW EPR and pulsed ENDOR spectroscopies. Complex EPR spectra were obtained from reactions of aluminium, gallium and indium trichlorides with phenyl azides containing a variety of substituents. Analysis of the spectra showed that 4-methoxy-, 3-methoxy- and 2-methoxyphenyl azides all gave 'dimer' radical cations [ArNHC₆H₄NH₂](+•) and trimers [ArNHC₆H₄NHC₆H₄NH₂](+•) followed by polymers.

EPR and ENDOR spectroscopic study of the reactions of aromatic azides with gallium trichloride.

The reactions of gallium trichloride with phenyl and deuterio-phenyl azides, as well as with 4-methoxyphenyl azide and deuterium isotopomers, were examined by product analysis, CW EPR spectroscopy and pulsed ENDOR spectroscopy. The products included the corresponding anilines together with 4-aminodiphenylamine type dimers, and polyanilines. Complex CW EPR spectra of the radical cations of the dimers [ArNHC(6)H(4)NH(2)](+)˙ and trimers [ArNHC(6)H(4)NHC(6)H(4)NH(2)](+)˙ were obtained.