The mechanism of the decomposition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of Cu(II) AND Fe(III) o-phenanthroline complexes

Abstract

1. Studies on the kinetics of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) breakdown in the presence of copper(II) and iron(III) o-phenanthroline complexes have shown the activity of the catalyst in these reactions to be determined by the metal ion. 2. A mechanism is proposed for the decomposition. Rate constants, and ratios of rate constants, have been determined for the various elementary steps in the decomposition and the values obtained used to describe the kinetics of TBHP breakdown in the presence of both catalysts.