Novel electron transfer polymerization processes with alkali metal supramolecular complex as catalyst

Abstract

AbstractSingle electron transfer SET induced usually by organometallic complexes of transition metals or alkali metal complexes of arenes e.g. naphthalene is common in organic reactions. In this paper unusual two‐electron transfer to suitable acceptor molecule mediated by recently discovered alkali metal supramolecular complexes in aprotic etheral solvents is presented. The capability of these solutions of transferring two electrons to a suitable organic substrate and formation of corresponding carbanions opens new door in synthetic chemistry. The carbanions are interesting synthons in the many organic reactions and catalysts in anionic polymerization processes. Reactions of some vinyl compounds, alkyl and silyl halides, as well as ring‐opening polymerization of β‐lactones and oxiranes are discussed.