The X‐ray photoelectron spectrum of benzotris [c]‐2‐oxyfurazan (“hexanitrosobenzene”)

In order to confirm the multiple ring structure of benzotris[c]‐2‐oxyfurazan (“hexanitrosobenzene”), the electron‐binding energies of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in this compound have been measured by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Charge calculations have been carried out by various methods for the interpretation of the results. For each type of atom the 1s electron energy peak was split into two peaks of approximately equal intensity: carbon, 285.6 and 287.5 eV; nitrogen, 401.3 and 405.0 eV; oxygen, 533.4 and 535.0 eV. The carbon values may be less reliable because of deposition of pump oil onto the sample. These results exclude the hexanitroso structure and support the furazan structure for which further evidence has already been published.