Various reactions catalyzed by the electron donor–acceptor complex of polynaphthoquinone with potassium

Abstract

The H₂–D₂ exchange reaction, the synthesis of ammonia, hydrogen exchange reaction of propene with deuterium and the isomerization of butene over the electron donor–acceptor (EDA) complexes of potassium with metal-free polynaphthoquinone and with polynaphthoquinones containing FeCl₃ are discussed. H₂–D₂ exchange over the EDA complexes is catalyzed even at – 78°C. The intermediate in propene–deuterium exchange is the half-hydrogenated isopropyl species. The difference in the poisoning effect of oxygen for the formation of ammonia and to the H₂–D₂ exchange is also noted.