Dimesityldioxirane

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.

Structure
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 doixirane to 119.2° in dimesityldioxirane. The mesityl groups also rotate about the single bond, consequently reducing steric repulsions further.

Synthesis and Uses
Dimesityldioxirane was first isolated at room temperature in pure as well as in solution form in 1994. It was synthesised by irradiation of its diazo derivative in trichlorofluoromethane at 183K to form dimesitylcarbene, 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.