Reactions of Superoxide with Peroxides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo01296a014

The reactions of superoxide with tert-butyl hydroperoxide and 98percent H2O2 have been studied in aprotic solvents.In benzene solvent, the proton-catalyzed disproportionation of superoxide followed by the base-catalyzed disproportionation of H2O2 appear to be the only reactions to occur.In acetonitrile, peroxy anions react with the solvent to form, ultimately, acetamide.Reactions of superoxide with diacyl peroxides are rather complex, but this reacting system produces intermediates capable of epoxidation of a number of olefins.Reactions of superoxide with acid chlorides and anhydrides in the presence of olefins also produce epoxides.Plausible mechanisms for these reactions are discussed.