Abstract
Interaction of pentacyanocobalt hydride, HCo (CN)63-, with epoxides such as propylene oxide, cyclohexene oxide, and styrene oxide has been investigated in aqueous solutions. While hydrogenation of epoxides to alcohols took place, it appeared to give way, to some extent, to isomerization to form ketones especially when excess alkali was added. This newly discovered isomerization reaction is assumed to take place via the interaction of epoxides with univalent pentacyanocobalt complex, Co(CN)54-, that is formed in alkaline solution according to HCo (CN)52-+OH-→Co (CN)54-+H2O.
