The three-step synthesis of benzoyl peroxide has been developed and implemented as a multistep, multi week laboratory at St. Catherine University. This target is of interest to students because of it use as bleaching agent for flour, an active component in acne medications, and as a polymerization initiator. This lab is completed over the first four weeks of second semester organic laboratory. First, bromobenzene is converted into benzoic acid using a Grignard reaction. Then benzoic acid is turned into benzoyl chloride using thionyl chloride. Finally benzoyl peroxide is synthesized by treating the benzoyl chloride with in situ created sodium hydrogen peroxide. All starting materials for each of these steps are commercially available in case a student’s reaction is unsuccessful. All products can be characterized using IR, NMR, and melting point analysis. This synthetic scheme is especially pertinent since all the required reaction mechanisms are taught during the second semester of organic instruction.

Multistep synthesis of benzoyl peroxide for the second semester organic laboratory

249th National Meeting (2015)

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