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

The course of the reaction of alkalide K−, K+(15-crown-5)21 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 potassiopropane-1,2-dioxide are intermediate products of this reaction. They react then with the crown ether. Potassium methoxide, potassium enolate of acetaldehyde, dipotassium propane-1,2-dioxide and potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether are the final products of this process.