Regioselectivity of Hydroxyl Radical Reactions with Arenes in Nonaqueous Solutions

The regioselectivity of hydroxyl radical addition to arenes was studied using a novel analytical method capable of trapping radicals formed after the first elementary step of reaction, without alteration of the product distributions by secondary oxidation processes. Product analyses of these reactions indicate a preference for o- over p-substitution for electron donating groups, with both favored over m-addition. The observed distributions are qualitatively similar to those observed for the addition of other carbon-centered radicals, although the magnitude of the regioselectivity observed is greater for hydroxyl. The data, reproduced by high accuracy CBS-QB3 computational methods, indicate that both polar and radical stabilization effects play a role in the observed regioselectivities. The application and potential limitations of the analytical method used are discussed.