The reaction of potassium-graphite intercalation compounds with tetrahydrofuran

Abstract

First as well as second stage potassium graphite, KC 8 and K 24, have been treated with liquid THF. KC 24 initially forms the well-known compounds KC 24(THF) m with solvated K + ions between the carbon layers. However, in contrast to literature reports, both KC 8 and KC 24(THF) m decomposed THF within 24 hr. Hydrogen, cyclopropane and butyraldehyde were observed in the gas phase. On heating of the solid residues, these compounds were released together with CH 4, CO and CO 2. Scanning electron-micrographs show that the graphite platelets are partially destroyed after the reaction, probably by radical intermediates of the decomposition reaction.