Copper catalysed reactions of di-t-butyl peroxide: evidence for copper(II) alkoxide intermediates and a non-radical reaction mechanism

Reaction of di-t-butyl peroxide, (ButO)2, with CuI chloride species gives CuII alkoxy chlorides which are intermediates in the oxidative carbonylation reaction of alcohols to dialkyl carbonate, oxalate, or succinate esters and evidence is presented that these reactions do not involve free radicals.