Structural and Steric Factors Determining the Rate of Autoxidation of α-Methylene Groups in Alkylarenes and Alkenes

Data on structural and steric effects in the autoxidation of alkylarenes and alkenes are summarised. Special attention is paid to the effect of steric hindrance on the rate of oxidation of an α-CH bond in various hydrocarbons – alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes, alkenes, alkylindanes, and tetrahydronaphthalenes – and data are given on the relation between their refractions, ultraviolet spectra, and rate of oxidation. The role of the molecular conformation of the hydrocarbons in the conjugation of single bonds is demonstrated, together with the effect of this conjugation on the rate of autoxidation of the α-CH bond.
A list of 91 references is included.