Substituent effects on electroreduction of the carbon-halogen bond

Abstract

Polarographic reduction of a series of 4-substituted 1-iodobicyclo[2,2,2]octanes has been examined in an attempt to assess the effect of substituents on the half-wave reduction potential. It is found that the values of E_½ do not show a linear correlation with the relevant σ₁ constants; the deviations are discussed in terms of the relative importance of the steric and electric field effects of the substituent. Controlled-potential electrolysis of a number of the substrates reveals that the hydrocarbon corresponding to fission of the carbon-iodine bond is formed in high yield.