NMR analysis of diacyl peroxide decomposition in methanol in response to temperature and microwave radiation

We have studied the decomposition of benzoyl and acetyl benzoyl peroxides in methanol-d₄ in response to temperature and microwave radiation. We have shown that chemically-induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) can be observed even when the reactions are carried out in spectrometers with high magnetic fields. In this case, spin correlation persists in geminal radical pairs involving labile acyloxyl radicals. Regardless of the method used to initiate peroxide decomposition, the same amount of products are formed. Homolysis occurs according to a chain mechanism. The contribution of induced decomposition decreases over the course of the reaction. Dissolved oxygen molecules efficiently terminate the chain, decreasing the rate of peroxide decomposition. In the case of acetyl benzoyl peroxide, the product yield depends on the initiation mechanism: for microwave irradiation, the solvent molecules are more active while dissolved oxygen is less active than in thermolysis.