A MECHANISTIC STUDY OF THE MICROWAVE INDUCED CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITIONS OF ORGANIC HALIDES

A series of model organic halide compounds were decomposed by the technique of microwave catalysis. The reactions were 100% efficient which were followed and characterized by gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, and direct electron spin resonance detection. The results clearly establish the primary free radical mechanisms of the decomposition by breaking selectively the C-X bond, leading to an organic fragment/radical and a stable form of solid metal halides. Many of the non-halogenated organic products are of economic and chemical value and can be recovered in the microwave processing.