The selective functionalization of saturated hydrocarbons. Part 40. Aspects of Fe(II) based peroxide fragmentation in pyridine solution

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(97)01063-6

The Haber-Weiss mechanism does not apply to the Fe(II) induced fragmentation of primary and secondary hydroperoxides in pyridine. However, it does apply to tertiary hydroperoxides. Steric bulk is an important factor in Fe(II) induced dialkyl peroxide decomposition in pyridine. On the contrary in tetrahydrofuran a different relatively unhindered electron transfer process predominates where the Fe(II) becomes a catalyst.