Hexaphenylethane decomposition

The decomposition of hexaphenylethane to triphenylmethyl radicals in liquid chloroform has been studied at 0 °C. 

The decomposition of hexaphenylethane is to be attributed to the inadequate binding force between the two ethane carbon atoms which are each over-much occupied by three phenyl groups. If these are progressively replaced by diphenyl groups the combining power of the fourth valency becomes smaller and smaller, and is finally reduced to zero in p-tridiphenyl-methyl (Schlenk). 

Example 3.1. Decomposition of hexaphenylethane in constant-volume batch. The decomposition of hexaphenylethane into two triphenylmethyl radicals... 

Long-hand numerical work-up, error recognition, and reliability is illustrated with two examples thermal decomposition of hexaphenylethane and an accelerated decomposition test of an herbicide. 

There have been very few reports of azide decompositions induced by radicals. It has been found that the decomposition of phenyl azide was accelerated by thiyi radicals, particularly when it was carried out in thiols as solvents in the presence of free radical sources, such as tetraphenylhydrazine, hexaphenylethane and triphenylmethyl hydroperoxide When the decomposition was carried out in thiophenol, the major product was aniline, along with a small amount of o-aminodiphenylsulphide (232)... 

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