Copper catalysed reactions of di-t-butyl peroxide: evidence for copper(II) alkoxide intermediates and a non-radical reaction mechanism

Abstract

Reaction of di-t-butyl peroxide, (Bu^tO)₂, with Cu^I chloride species gives Cu^II alkoxy chlorides which are intermediates in the oxidative carbonylation reaction of alcohols to dialkyl carbonate, oxalate, or succinate esters and evidence is presented that these reactions do not involve free radicals.