Molecular rearrangements—XII: Pyrolysis of α-phenylacetanilide

Pyrolysis of α-phenylacetanilide resulted in migration of the benzyl group to the o and p positions of the aniline nucleus and formation of CO, NH₃, toluene benzaldehyde, dibenzyl, trans stilbene, aniline, 9 phenylacridine and 2,3 diphenyl-indole. With o-toluidine as a solvent the previous products were accompanied by 2,3 diphenyl-7-methylindole and 4 amino 3 methyl diphenylmethane. With isoqumoline 1 benzyl isoquinoline and 1,1' bi-isoquinolyl were also obtained.It is concluded that the pyrolysis of phenylacetanilide depends on the homolytic fission of the amide C-N bond into anilino and phenylacetyl free radicals followed by the interaction of the primary and secondary formed radicals with the rearrangement products and solvent nuclei.