Fragmentation mechanisms of even electron anions EE

The fragmentation of even-electron anions has been reviewed by Bowie [13,14], Observed reaction pathways include homolytic bond cleavage, the loss of one or several H radicals being a common process. Alkyl radical loss is also observed [15,16]  

H loss (CH2COCH3)- — CH2COCH2 + H alkyl radical loss Ph CHOCH3 — PhCHO +CH3  

Reactions through initial formation of an anion-neutral complex are often observed. They are followed by a displacement of the anion, a deprotonation, and an elimination process, such as [17] 

Complexes of the hydride ion with neutrals are invoked to explain some observed reactions, especially the loss of hydrogen molecules from alcoholates and enolates  

Various rearrangements often result from internal nucleophilic condensation, intramolecular nucleophilic substitution, formation of an ion-molecule complex, and so on. 

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