Electron transfer-induced dehydrogenation reactions within methyl viologen-supported zeolite Na-Y under non-irradiative conditions

Methyl viologen-supported zeolite Na-Y is a unique and very efficient medium for carrying out electron transfer-induced reactions in the absence of an irradiation source (spontaneously). Several monoterpenes loaded within the supported zeolite are dehydrogenated to p-cymene. The reaction occurs even in the open air with formation of minor amounts of ascaridole depending on the substrate. It is proposed that the radical cations of the monoterpenes are formed by single electron transfer to Na-Y, with methyl viologen acting as a promoter.