Ozonolysis of methyl, amino and nitro substituted ethenes: A semi-empirical molecular orbital study

The three-step ozonolysis reaction is studied for a number of methyl, amino and nitro substituted ethenes (classified as symmetrically, asymmetrically and cis/trans substituted) using the PM3 SCF-MO method. Substituent effects are predicted to generally yield the order NH2 > Me > NO2 for the ability to enhance facility of ozonolysis, in line with the electrophilic nature of ozone. Geometry and conformation allow for a variety of different pathways, and the lowest energy pathway is predicted for each case, with consequences for identity of the intermediates preferentially involved. Greater stability of the trans isomer of the carbonyl oxide intermediate is the main factor for its preferred involvement in the second step of the reaction. For the cis/trans substituted ethenes, the major product (the secondary ozonide) is predicted as being the cis ozonide and the trans ozonide for the cis and the trans substituted ethenes, respectively.