Reactions of Ethylene with Chloroform Initiated by Amine–Ferrous Chloride System

The reactions of ethylene with chloroform initiated by alkylamine-ferrous chloride systems were examined in detail. Two main products, α,α,α-trichloroalkanes (I) and α,α,ω-trichloroalkanes (II), were obtained. Their composition was independent of the kind of amine but dependent upon the total carbon number of alkylamine. When amines having higher alkyl groups were used, the main product was α,α,ω-trichloropropane (II-1). When lower alkylamines were used, the main products were α,α,α-trichloroalkanes which contained considerable amounts of higher telomers. The results support the view that the reactions proceed according to the “caged free radical” process.