Solvent-induced selectivity of Williamson etherification in the pursuit of amides resistant against oxidative degradation†
Abstract
This article reports two discoveries. (1) 2-Methoxyethanol induces unprecedented selectivity for etherification of 5-hydroxy-2-nitrobenzic acids without forming undesired esters. (2) Such compounds are precursors for amides showing unusual robustness against oxidative degradation, essential for molecular electrets that transfer strongly oxidizing holes at about −6.4 eV vs. vacuum.