Phenol → HCID 19386628, compound

Participants

Reaction Steps

Phenol (21.21 grams; 0.25 mole) and methylbenzyl alcohol (30.5 grams; 0.25 mole) in 100.00 grams of ethylbenzene were refluxed at a temperature of from about 135° to 140° C. for about four hours with 0.500 grams (0.33 weight percent) concentrated sulfuric acid. Water was removed overhead as a azeotrope and was collected in a Dean-Stark trap. Methylbenzyl alcohol conversion was quantitative but only 8% selectivity to α-phenylmethylbenzyl ether was obtained. The remaining product was styrene (74.8% selectivity) and styrene polymer.

Provenance & Evidence