Interaction between potassium-graphite intercalation compounds and alcohols or diols

The interaction is investigated between potassium-graphite intercalation compounds (IC) and alcohols or diols in solvating and nonsolvating solvents. The influence of the type of the alcohol or diol, the nature of the solvent and the type of IC on the amount of potassium extracted from the IC as an alcoholate is studied. It is established that the structure and properties of the IC undergo significant changes. C_x (K)_y (RO⁻K⁺)_y, compounds are probably formed in cyclohexane and C_x(K)_y(RO⁻¹K⁺)_y′ (solvent)_y′′ compounds, respectively in benzene, tetrahydrofuran or dimethoxyethane. The compounds formed are not able to reduce biphenyl and naphthalene, but they do reduce aromatic ketones and nitriles to the corresponding metal adducts.