Preparation of Di-n-alkyl peroxides: Phase-transfer reaction of potassium superoxide with primary alkyl bromides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1055/s-1992-26160

Symmetrical saturated and unsaturated primary dialkyl peroxides 1 were prepared in a phase-transfer reaction by direct action of potassium superoxide, tetraethylammonium bromide and alkyl bromide in dimethylformamide solution. Applicability of the method to the preparation of unsymmetrical dialkyl peroxides was demonstrated by the example of butyl octyl peroxide (2). Yields generally exceeded 80% for symmetrical dialkyl peroxides with total carbon numbers above 12 carbon atoms. Peroxide content of the isolated dialkyl peroxides generally exceeded 90%.