Benzene → 2-Methylbenzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a reaction vessel was added 5 grams (0.037 moles) of para toluic acid suspended in about 100 ml of benzene. Then, 3.14 grams (0.0185 moles) of silicon tetrachloride were added and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature. A small amount of HCl gas evolved during this stirring. Even though a small amount of material remained undissolved, the reaction mixture was distilled at 80° C. and atmospheric pressure. The overhead condensate contained only benzene and silicon tetrachloride. The pot residue was further heated until p-toluic acid sublimed. Analysis of the liquid remaining in the pot showed it to contain what is probably a silicon chloro toluate.

Provenance & Evidence