Free-Radical Reactions With Aromatic Ethers: Part I. Benzoyl Peroxide With Anisole

A re-examination of the products of thermal decomposition of benzoyl peroxide in anisole has resolved anomalous findings by previous workers. The expected phenylation of the substrate is accompanied by appreciable benzoyloxylation, and the distribution of isomers in the phenylation and benzoyloxylation products has been examined; the theoretical implications of the results are discussed.