Birch Reduction of Benzene Explained

Birch reduction converts benzene into 1,4-cyclohexadiene using solvated electrons as the reducing agent. The reaction changes the aromatic ring by adding electrons and protons in a stepwise process. It is a key example of how an aromatic compound can be partially reduced.

The mechanism begins whe...

Recall that Birch reduction transforms benzene to 1,4-cyclohexadiene using solvated electrons as reducing agents.

The electrons are generated by dissolving the alkali metal in liquid ammonia.

Birch reduction begins with a single electron transfer to the ring to generate the radical anion. Since the anion is very basic, it abstracts...