Question Wacker Oxidation In 304 Steel vs 316 Steel

[Katty Korner]

I'm wondering if a Wacker oxidation of safrole to mdp2p can take place in a 304 steel vessel, with the knowledge that it will corrode, or if only 316 steel will work.

Sheet metal is usually 304, I think, and I would be real nice if you could use this to make a reaction vessel for the Wacker. I know the palladium chloride is corrosive, and having a pressure vessel explode is not ideal.

Thus me asking, as I've always wondered. 316 sheet metal seems harder to get, but I'm sure it is doable, then just bend and weld, though that is simplifying it greatly.

 

[Nacho]

You want to download Strike's classic "Total Synthesis II" from the library and read the section on Wacker ox. From memory yes but dont take my word for it. I could be wrong but Wacker does not have to be pressurized at all or no more than it takes to fill a balloon. Strike lays out several options for doing this at almost zero pressure.