Free Radical Oxidation of an Allylic Position

The allylic position of olefins is subject to attack by free radicals with the consequent formation of stable allylic free radicals. This fact is utilized in many substitution reactions at the allylic position (cf. Chapter 6, Section III). The procedure given here employs f-butyl perbenzoate, which reacts with cuprous ion to liberate /-butoxy radical, the chain reaction initiator. The outcome of the reaction, which has general applicability, is the introduction of a benzoyloxy group in the allylic position. 

Caution The reaction and the subsequent solvent removal and product distillation steps must be carried out behind a safety screen. 

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