4,4'-Difluorobenzophenone → 2,2-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)oxirane

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of dimethyl oxosulphonium methylide was prepared under nitrogen from sodium hydride (0.1 mol) and powdered trimethyl oxosulphonium iodide (0.1 mol) in dry dimethyl sulphoxide (100 ml). A solution of 4,4'-difluorobenzophenone (0.08 mol) in dimethyl sulphoxide (40 ml) was added dropwise at room temperature and the solution heated at 50° for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature the solution was extracted with diethyl ether (400 ml), washed with water (3×250 ml), and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. Removal of the solvent gave 1,1-bis-(4-fluorophenyl)-ethylene oxide (95%) as a colourless oil.

Provenance & Evidence