Hunsdieker reaction

Reaction-Hunsdieker reaction

silver salts of carboxylic Acid react with halogen to give RX .

• RCOOAg + X₂ RX + AgX + CO₂
• (X₂ = Cl₂ or Br₂)

Reaction Mechanism of Hunsdieker reaction

The mechanism is uncertain but probably in the first step acyl hypohalite is formed which then decomposes into free radicals.
RCOOAg + X₂ RCOOX + AgX
RCOOX  RCOO∙ + X∙
RCOO∙  R∙ + CO₂
R∙ + X₂  RX + X∙
R∙ + RCOOX  RX + RCOO∙ etc.
In Hunsdieker reaction, Br₂ in CCl₄ gives better yield than Cl₂ in CCl₄.
The yield and ease of formation of R -X is
1°RX > 2°RX > 3°RX
If I2 is used in Hunsdieker reaction in CCl₄, then a ester is formed. This is known as Birnbaum−Simonini Reaction.

But if acids are used with I₂ and red mercuric oxide, alkyl iodides are obtained.
2RCO₂H + 2I₂ + HgO  2RI + 2CO₂ + HgI₂ + H₂O

List of Name Reaction of Organic Chemistry consist of detail Reaction Mechanism of all name reactions of Organic Chemistry.