Decomposition of 1-phenylethyl hydroperoxide in the presence of cobalt acetylacetonates

Abstract

The decomposition of 1-phenylethyl hydroperoxide has been investigated in the presence of Co(acac)₂ and Co(acac)₃ in argon and oxygen atmospheres. Co(acac)₂ accelerates the decomposition of the hydroperoxide. The decomposition is preceded by the fast formation of a Co(acac)₂+ ROOH complex which is unaffected by the presence of oxygen in the temperature range studied. The deactivation of the catalyst by the water formed in the decomposition reaction has been confirmed from kinetic evidence. The rate constants for the formation and decomposition of the catalyst + ROOH complex and the overall activation energy were determined.

In the presence of Co(acac)₃ the decomposition starts after an induction period being longer in oxygen than in argon. It is assumed that the actual catalyst of this process is also Co(acac)₂. The overall activation energy of the decomposition has been determined.