Geology topics
Publications and source records attributed to G. R. Yohe.
The oxidizing power exhibited by five Illinois coals has been shown to reach a maximum value and then decrease, suggesting that this "reactive oxygen" may play the role of an intermediate in the oxidative degradation of these coals.
The acidic compound C14H22O3, previously reported without assignment of structure as an oxidation product of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, is now believed to be DL-trans-5,6-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxy-1,4-diketo-2-cyclohexene (I). Chemical properties are described and infrared spectra are presented in support of this structure. This structure is of interest in relation to the problem of the existence of o-di-tert-alkylbenzene derivatives. The relatively easy racemization of optically active I suggests that its completely enolized form, 5,6-di-tert-butyl-1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene, is capable of transitory existence.
The products formed in the oxidation of 2,6-di- tert -butyl-4-methylphenol with oxygen and sodium hydroxide at about 100° are 3,5-di- tert -butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, trimethylacetic acid, an acidic compound C 14 H 22 O 3 , and probably 2,6-di- tert -butylbenzoquinone (which was actually isolated in the similar oxidation of the above-named benzaldehyde), in addition to compounds previously reported. Some of the properties of C 14 H 22 O 3 are given, and the oxidation of it to 2,3-di- tert -butylsuccinic anhydride is described, but assignment of structure is reserved pending the completion of more experimental work.