Formation of radical anions and not deprotonation starts the reaction of gamma-butyrolactone with potassium anions.
A mechanism is proposed for the reaction of gamma-butyrolactone with the potassium anion as a two-electron-transfer reagent. Potassium hydride and potassium 4-potassiobutyrate are formed in this process as intermediates. These compounds deprotonate gamma-butyrolactone. Potassium lactone enolate, potassium butyrate, and hydrogen are the final reaction products.
Grobelny
Zbigniew
Z
Institute of Materials Science, University of Silesia, 40007 Katowice, Poland. grobelny@box43.pl
Stolarzewicz
Andrzej
A
Maercker
Adalbert
A