Uses
Potassium tert-pentyloxide is used in wide range of applications in organic synthesis, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, colorants and aroma chemicals. It is also used in manufacturing detergents and biodiesel. They also act as catalysts in polymerization and isomerizations.
Uses
Potassium
tert-pentoxide solution has been used as a base to synthesize [RuClPh(CO)(H
2IMes)(PCy
3)] from second-generation Grubbs metathesis catalyst, [RuCl
2(=CHPh)(H
2IMes)(PCy
3)], (where H
2IMes is 1,3-dimethyl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene and PCy
3 is tricyclohexylphosphine) and benzyl alcohol. This complex is a solid, air-stable and highly active isomerization catalyst.
Synthesis
The Preparative Method of Potassium 2-Methyl-2-butoxide: amber-coloured 0.15-0.20 M EtCMe2OH solutions of the reagent are prepared in situ by refluxing oxide-free potassium metal in the anhydrous alcohol for 3-4 h. Solutions of the base, which are 1.0-2.0 M in THF, benzene, or toluene, are prepared by treating oil-free Potassium Hydride with an equivalent amount of anhydrous t-pentyl alcohol in the anhydrous solvent under an inert atmosphere.
Precautions
Solutions should be handled with the same precautions used for solutions of t-BuOK (see Potassium t-Butoxide). Avoid contact with the eyes, skin, and clothing. Conduct all reactions under a dry nitrogen or argon atmosphere. In the absence of air and moisture, solutions of the base in benzene or toluene may be stored in a refrigerator for up to 1 year without significant deterioration. However, for critical experiments, it is recommended that the reagent be freshly prepared. Use in a fume hood.
