McFadyen-Stevens reaction

The McFadyen-Stevens reaction is a chemical reaction best described as a base-catalyzed thermal decomposition of acylsulfonylhydrazides to aldehydes.^[1][2]

Additional recommended knowledge

Correct Test Weight Handling Guide: 12 Practical Tips

Safe Weighing Range Ensures Accurate Results

Recognize and detect the effects of electrostatic charges on your balance

Dudman has developed an alternative hydrazide reagent.^[3]

Reaction mechanism

The mechanism of the McFadyen-Stevens reaction is still under investigation. Two groups have independently proposed a heterolytic fragmentation mechanism.^[4][5] The mechanism involves the deprotonation of the acyl sulfonamide followed by a 1,2-proton migration to give the alkoxide (3). The collapse of the alkoxide results in the fragmentation producing the desired aldehyde (4), nitrogen gas, and an aryl sulfinate ion (5).

Martin et al. have proposed a different mechanism involving an acyl nitrene.^[6]

References

1. ^  McFadyen, J. S.; Stevens, T. S. J. Chem. Soc. 1936, 584.
2. ^  Mosettig, E. Org. React. 1954, 8, 232-240. (Review)
3. ^  Dudman, C. C. et al. Tetrahedron Lett. 1980, 4645.
4. ^  Brown, V. M.; Carter, P. H.; Tomlinson, M. J. Chem. Soc. 1958, 1843.
5. ^  Campaigne, E.; Thompson, R. L.; Van Werth, J. E. J. Med. Chem. 1959, 1, 577.
6. ^  Martin, S. B.; Craig, J. C.; Chan, R. P. K. J. Org. Chem. 1974, 39, 2285 - 2289. (doi:10.1021/jo00929a600)

See also

• hydrazide