ERIC Number: EJ1243291
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Feb
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: N/A
A Safe and Green Benzylic Radical Bromination Experiment
Marcos, Carlos F.; Neo, Ana G.; Díaz, Jesús; Martínez-Caballero, Sonia
Journal of Chemical Education, v97 n2 p582-585 Feb 2020
Radical chemistry is an essential part of the organic chemistry curriculum. Free radical halogenation experiments provide an excellent opportunity to introduce important topics related to the outcome and mechanism of organic reactions. In this communication, a green photochemically activated benzylic bromination of p-toluic acid is described. In contrast with previous versions of this reaction, visible light provides the energy necessary to homolytically cleave the Br-Br bond and initiate the radical cascade. Thus, photochemical activation allows a safer, faster, and cheaper alternative to chemical free radical initiators. Furthermore, the reaction is conveniently performed in environmentally friendly acetonitrile, as a replacement for toxic and ozone-depleting chlorinated solvents, such as the usual carbon tetrachloride.
Descriptors: Science Instruction, Organic Chemistry, Scientific Concepts, Light, Conservation (Environment), College Science, Undergraduate Study
Division of Chemical Education, Inc. and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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