Thionyl Chloride → 1-(Chloromethyl)-4-(methylthio)benzene

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of 50.0 g (325 mMol) of 4-(methylthio)benzyl alcohol in 350 ml of toluene stirring at room temperature under nitrogen, was added 5 drops of pyridine, and then 28.4 ml (46.4 g, 390 mMol, 1.2 eqs) of thionyl chloride was added dropwise. After 3 hours, ice water was added and the mixture was stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was transferred to a separatory funnel and shaken thoroughly. The organic layer separated and was dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and evaporated. Distillation of the residue under reduced pressure gave (4-methylthiophenyl)chloromethane (50.54 g) as a colorless liquid: b.p. 89-95° C. (1 mm).

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