Theoretical modeling of the mechanism of aniline oxidation by singlet O₂

Abstract

The mechanism of aniline oxidation by singlet oxygen was studied by the DFT-PBE/L2 method. According to the calculations, aniline endoperoxide cannot participate in the reaction because of its energy instability. The addition of ¹O₂ to aniline proceeds with the simultaneous proton transfer to the oxygen molecule from the NH₂ group (for the syn-approach of oxygen) or from the aromatic ring (for the anti-approach). For the syn-approach of the ¹O₂ molecule, the HNC₆H₄(H)OOH intermediate is formed, whose decomposition leads to aniline p-hydroperoxide (predominantly) or p-iminoquinone. In the case of the anti-approach, the ¹O₂ molecule is inserted at the C–H bond to form aniline p-hydroperoxide (H₂NC₆H₄OOH). The decomposition of aniline p-hydroperoxide with the formation of p-aminophenol and H₂O₂ molecule proceeds via concerted mechanism.