P-Xylene → p-(2-Methylbutyl)toluene

Participants

Reaction Steps

To 162 mmols of p-xylene were added 7 mmols of n-butyl lithium and 9 mmols of N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, whereupon it turned brilliant orange. The resulting product was placed in an autoclave, and at the same time, 143 mmols of 1-butene was introduced into it. When they were reacted at 80° to 100°C. at an initial pressure of 15 Kg/cm2, the pressure of the inside of the autoclave decreased gradually. After reacting for 5 hours, 3-methyl-4-(p-tolyl) butane was obtained in a selectivity of about 90%. This compound was distilled under reduced pressure to purity it. The resulting product was used in the following Examples.

Provenance & Evidence