Generation of free radicals at subzero temperatures. III. Polyamine–hydroperoxide–iron system

The mechanism of the reaction of tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) with cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) and iron ions was investigated. It was found that (1) TEPA did not reduce Fe(III); (2) TEPA was consumed by this reaction; (3) both Fe(II) and Fe(III) were effective for this reaction. It was shown that though the OO bond of a hydroperoxide could be cleaved only at elevated temperatures, it could be easily cleaved by the reaction with the iron–TEPA complex. The function of this iron–TEPA complex is discussed.