Reed reaction
The Reed reaction is a chemical reaction that utilizes light to oxidize hydrocarbons to sulfonyl chlorides. This reaction is employed in modifying polyethylene to give chlorosulfonated polyethylene, which noted for its toughness.Mechanism
Polyethylene is treated with a mixture of chlorine and sulfur dioxide under UV-radiation.
The reaction occurs via a free radical mechanism. UV-light initiates homolysis of chlorine, producing a pair of chlorine atoms:
Chain initiation:
Thereafter a chlorine atom attacks the hydrocarbon chain, abstracting hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride and an alkyl free radical. The resulting radical then captures SO2. The resulting sulfonyl radical attacks another chlorine molecule to produce the desired sulfonyl chloride and a new chlorine atom, which continues the reaction chain.
Chain propagation steps:Historical readings
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