KO<sup>t</sup>Bu as a Single Electron Donor? Revisiting the Halogenation of Alkanes with CBr<sub>4</sub> and CCl<sub>4</sub>

Emery, KJ; Young, A; Arokianathar, JN; Tuttle, T; Murphy, JA

HERO ID

4851277

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2018

HERO ID 4851277
In Press No
Year 2018
Title KO<sup>t</sup>Bu as a Single Electron Donor? Revisiting the Halogenation of Alkanes with CBr<sub>4</sub> and CCl<sub>4</sub>
Authors Emery, KJ; Young, A; Arokianathar, JN; Tuttle, T; Murphy, JA
Journal Molecules
Volume 23
Issue 5 (2018)
Page Numbers 1055
Abstract The search for reactions where KOtBu and other tert-alkoxides might behave as single electron donors led us to explore their reactions with tetrahalomethanes, CX4, in the presence of adamantane. We recently reported the halogenation of adamantane under these conditions. These reactions appeared to mirror the analogous known reaction of NaOH with CBr4 under phase-transfer conditions, where initiation features single electron transfer from a hydroxide ion to CBr4. We now report evidence from experimental and computational studies that KOtBu and other alkoxide reagents do not go through an analogous electron transfer. Rather, the alkoxides form hypohalites upon reacting with CBr4 or CCl4, and homolytic decomposition of appropriate hypohalites initiates the halogenation of adamantane.
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Sodium hydroxide; Reagents; Electrons; Halogenation; Decomposition reactions; Carbon tetrachloride; Electron transfer; Alkanes; Computer applications; Alkoxides