Electron-transfer reduction of selected alcohols with alkalide K−, K+(15-crown-5)2 via organometallic intermediates

Abstract The course of the reaction of alkalide K − , K + (15-crown-5) 2 1 with selected alcohols depends on the kind of alcohol and the mode of substrate delivery. In the case of methanol, potassium methoxide formed initially undergoes destruction at the excess of 1 . It results in potassium oxide and methylpotassium. The latter opens the crown ether ring giving potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether and methane. A similar course of the process is observed for propanol. Potassium glycidoxide is the main product formed in the reaction of 1 with glycidol. Its oxirane ring is opened at the excess of 1 . Organopotassium alkoxides, i.e., potassium potassiomethoxide and dipotassium potass…