The Redox Reaction of 1-Ethoxy-n-heptyl Hydroperoxide

Abstract 1) The reaction of 1-ethoxy-n-heptyl hydroperoxide with ferrous sulfate has given ethyl formate, n-heptanal, ethyl heptanoate and n-dodecane, while the reaction with a mixture of cuprous and cupric chlorides has given ethyl formate, n-hexyl chloride, n-heptanal and ethyl heptanoate. 2) The formation of n-heptanal in both reactions has been attributed to the reduction of the 1-ethoxy-n-heptanoxy radical with ferrous or cuprous ions to the corresponding anion, followed concertedly by the leaving of the ethoxide ion. 3) The probable reaction pathway, especially the difference between the natures of the heterocyclic ether syetem and the linear ether system, has been discussed.