Structure and topochemistry of azodioxide oligomers in solid state

The structure of oligomers constructed from 1,4-dinitrosobenzene was studied computationally by DFT methods for shorter oligomers, and by the FMO approach for longer ones. It was demonstrated that the oligomers have helical structure. Formation of 1,4-dinitrosobenzene azodioxides from the corresponding nitroso monomers in solid state was examined by studying the kinetics of their oligomerization under cryogenic conditions. Dissociation of azodioxide bonds to nitroso groups was induced either by UV irradiation at cryogenic temperatures or by sublimation followed by cryogenic deposition. While warming the monomers prepared by UV photodissociation to 150 K gave E-polymers, oligomerization or polymerization of monomers prepared by cryogenic vapor deposition was less pronounced, giving Z-forms. Above 150 K, Z-dimers or short oligomers isomerized, probably by the dissociation-dimerization mechanism, to more stable E-forms. Fast formation of azodioxide bonds and the high stability of corresponding polymers can be ascribed to the strong topochemical effect in the solid state.