μ 3-Oxotriruthenium hexacarbonylate as a catalyst for cumene hydroperoxide decomposition

Abstract

The catalytic decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide in the presence of μ 3-oxotriruthenium hexacarboxylate at T ⩾ 308 K has been studied. On the basis of kinetic investigations, a mechanism of hydroperoxide decomposition is suggested; the influence of the donor—acceptor properties of the solvent is also demonstrated. The reaction products are cumyl alcohol, acetophenone and dioxygen in proportions that depend on the initial hydroxperoxide concentration. From the results of IR and electornic absorption measurements, it was shown that the ruthenium complex does not change during the reaction.