Reactions of aliphatic halides with solutions of alkali metals in liquid ammonia: I. Experiments with alkyl halides

Abstract

AbstractThe reaction of alkyl halides with solutions of alkali metals in liquid ammonia leads to mixtures of alkane, alkene, bialkyl, and alkylamine in proportions depending upon the nature of the reactants and upon the reaction conditions.Product compositions have been determined for eleven of the twelve butyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides. Rearrangement of the carbon skeleton does not occur. Sodium and lithium in liquid ammonia are especially useful for reducing chlorides almost quantitatively to the corresponding hydrocarbons with few or no by‐products.