Hydroquinone → 1H-Indene, 2-methyl-

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

2-Methyl-2-indanol (66.2 g) was dissolved in toluene (500 ml) in a 1 liter flask equipped with a Dean-Stark trap. To this solution p-toluene sulfonic acid (2 g) and a small amount of hydroquinone were added, and the mixture was refluxed for 2.5 hours. After 8 ml of H2O was generated, the reaction mixture was cooled to 0° C. and H2O (1 liter), also cooled to 03C, was added. The organic phase was separated and washed three times with water (500 ml). The toluene was evaporated and the residue (with trace of hydroquinone added) was distilled at reduced pressure to give 2-methylindene (47.2 g, 48%) as clear slightly green liquid.

Provenance & Evidence