Reaction of benzoyl peroxide with bromide anion

The reaction of benzoyl peroxide with a complex of potassium bromide and 18 -crown-6 in acetonitrile at 293-308 K was investigated. The reagents in the course of reaction are consumed in stoichiometric quantities. The main rea ction products are the complex of potassium benzoate with the 18-crown-6 an d benzoic acid arising due to decomposition of the intermediately formed un stable benzoyl hypobromite. The reaction with the above complex was compare d to that with tetraethylammonium bromide. The latter demonstrated higher r eactivity toward benzoyl peroxide than the complex of potassium bromide wit h 18-crown-6.