3-Phenoxybenzyl alcohol → 1-(Bromomethyl)-3-phenoxybenzene

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol (36.0 grams, 0.18 mole) in toluene (95 ml) was added dropwise during a thirty minute period to a stirred solution of thionyl bromide (50 grams, 0.24 mole), pyridine (0.5 gram) and toluene (175 ml) while maintaining the temperature below 30° C. After the addition was complete,the reaction mixture was heated at 50°-60° C. for two hours. Upon cooling, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure leaving a residue. This residue was dissolved in toluene (200 ml) and washed with water (10×100 ml) until a neutral pH was obtained. The dried (magnesium sulfate) toluene layer was concentrated under reduced pressure leaving a residue. This residue was distilled yielding 38.5 grams of 3-phenoxybenzyl bromide, b.p. 120°-144° C./0.05 mmHg. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Provenance & Evidence