Transformations of cyclohexa-1,4-diene under the action of biphenyl—alkali metal systems in THF. Synergistic acceleration by mixtures of lithium and sodium

Abstract

In the interaction of cyclohexa-1,4-diene (1,4-CHD) with a mixture of biphenyl and metallic lithium or sodium in THF at 20 °C, three processes occur, viz., disproportionation of 1,4-CHD to form benzene and cyclohexene, dehydrogenation of 1,4-CHD to form benzene and molecular hydrogen, and dehydrogenation of 1,4-CHD to form benzene and lithium or sodium hydride. In the case of lithium on the use of an equimolar amount of biphenyl, the isomerization of 1,4-CHD to cyclohexa-1,3-diene is also observed. When the molar ratio Li(Na): Ph₂ increases from 1 : 1 to 2 : 1, i.e., when the reaction is carried out in the presence of an alkali metal solid phase, the overall conversion of 1,4-CHD into benzene and cyclohexene increases. The use of mixtures of lithium and sodium leads to acceleration of the processes of the formation of benzene and cyclohexene. The possible mechanism of the synergistic effect found is discussed.