Formation of DMSO and DMF radicals with minute amounts of base

So far overlooked DMSO and DMF form long-lived radicals in the presence of small amounts of bases, DMF radicals being less stable than DMSO radicals. In solvent mixtures, the presence of DMSO prolonged the lifetime of DMF radicals. The occurrence of radicals may explain previously reported unexpected outcomes of reactions performed in these solvents. The commonly accepted inertness of these solvents towards minor quantities of alkali seems not to be warranted.

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