Benzene → 2-Benzyltoluene

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 70 parts of o-xylyl chloride and 200 parts of benzene is added to a mixture of 170 parts of 85 per cent strength by weight phosphoric acid, 22 parts of water and 75 parts of zinc chloride at 75° to 80° C, whilst stirring thoroughly. After a further 5 hours, the organic phase is separated off and 78 parts (86.6% of theory) of o-benzyltoluene boiling at 98° C at 0.2 mm Hg are isolated by fractional distillation.

Provenance & Evidence