Dimesityldioxirane is a substituted dioxirane with two mesityl groups attached to the dioxirane carbon. It is a colorless crystalline substance stable in its solid state around -20 °C.[1]
The molecule possesses approximately C2 symmetry and the mesityl groups are twisted by 54.2°. The bulky mesityl groups cause steric strain which is reduced by increase in R1–C–R2 angle from 117° in dioxirane to 119.2° in dimesityldioxirane. The mesityl groups also rotate about the single bond, consequently reducing steric repulsions further.[2]
Dimesityldioxirane was first isolated at room temperature in pure as well as in solution form in 1994.[3] It was synthesised by irradiation of its diazo derivative in trichlorofluoromethane at 183K to form, followed by oxidation. The synthesis had a yield of 50%.
It can mainly be used as an oxidizing agent but is less oxidizing than other dioxiranes due to its stability.