Chemistry:Hydrodimerization

From HandWiki

Hydrodimerization is an organic reaction that couples two alkenes to give a symmetrical hydrocarbon. The reaction is often implemented electrochemically; in that case the reaction is called electrodimerization. The reaction can also be induced with samarium diiodide, a one-electron reductant. Hydrodimerization is the basis of the Monsanto adiponitrile synthesis:[1]

2 CH2=CHCN + 2 e + 2 H+ → NCCH2CH2CH2CH2CN
Adiponitrile Synthesis

The reaction applies to a number electrophilic alkenes (Michael acceptors).[2][3]

References

  1. Baizer, Manuel M. (1964). "Electrolytic Reductive Coupling". Journal of the Electrochemical Society 111 (2): 215. doi:10.1149/1.2426086. 
  2. White, D. A. (1981). "Electrohydrodimerization of an Activated Alkene: Tetraethyl 1,2,3,4-Butanetetracarboxylate". Org. Synth. 60: 58. doi:10.15227/orgsyn.060.0058. 
  3. Knunyants, I. L.; Vyazankin, N. S. (1957). "Reductive dimerization of derivatives of α,β-unsaturated acids". Doklady Akademii Nauk SSSR 113: 112–15.