One electron transfer chain decomposition of trifluoroacetone diperoxide: The first 1,2,4,5-tetroxane with O-transfer capability

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(92)89044-D

Reaction of 1,1,1-trifluoropropanone (trifluoroacetone) (1a) with 30% hydrogen peroxide in the presence of conc. sulfuric acid afforded in good yield 3,6-bis(trifluoromethyl)-3,6-dimethyl-1,2,4,5-tetroxane or trifluoroacetone diperoxide (2a). Peroxide 2a is quantitatively converted into trifluoroacetone (1a) and dioxygen by a catalytic amount of tetrabutylammonium iodide through a reductive electron transfer chain reaction carried out by the superoxide ion. Trifluoroacetone diperoxide (2a) is capable of O-atom transfer to alkenes and sulfides.