Sulfuric Acid → 2-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

560 g of 98% sulfuric acid was dropped into 560 g of toluene while stirring. Then, while the stirring was continued, the temperature was raised at 60 to 70° C., reacting for 5 hours. After the reaction, 500 g of distillation water was added. Then, 200 g of ether was added. The lower phase (water phase) of the two separated phases was taken, into which a step of distillation for condensation and addition of water was repeated twice, so as to obtain toluenesulfonic acid. As a result of analysis, the toluenesulfonic acid included the para compound thereof at a concentration of 85 mole % in the total of the toluenesulfonic acid.

Provenance & Evidence