Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
The mechanism of the cyclization and 1,3-proton shift of 1,3,5-triaryl-2,4-diaza-1,3-pentadienes (1) catalyzed by phenyllithium and by potassium methoxide–methanol has been studied. On the basis of substituent effects, hydrogen–deuterium exchange, isotope effects, and solvent effects, it was deduced that both the cyclization and prototropy involve a common W-shaped carbanion which rapidly cyclizes. A kinetic deuterium isotope effect of 2 was calculated for protonation of this intermediate carbanion in methanol.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hunter et al. (1972) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: