Formation and fragmentation of alkoxyl radicals by oxidation of alcohols with peroxydisulphate ion

Abstract

E.s.r. and product studies show that alkoxyl radicals are produced by the thermal, photochemical, and silver(I) catalysed oxidation of alcohols by peroxydisulphate ion. With 2-phenylethanol and related alcohols the corresponding alkoxyl radicals undergo fragmentation to benzyl radicals and the appropriate carbonyl compound. The results indicate new synthetic utility for the peroxydisulphate ion.