Sulfuric Acid → Dimethyl(1-phenylethyl)benzene

Participants

Reaction Steps

O-xylene, 5096g, was charged to a 12 liter bottom outlet Pyrex reactor equipped with a mechanical agitator, heating mantle, addition funnel, cooling coil, thermometer, and a reflux condenser. Sulfuric acid, 981g of 96%, was charged in one portion with agitation. Styrene, 3749g, was added dropwise at 80°-85° C. over 90 min. The mixture was agitated for an additional 30 min. at 80°-85° C. after the styrene addition was complete. The mixture was allowed to settle for 45 min. and the lower sulfuric acid layer was drained off (1294.3g). A solution of sodium hydroxide (80g in 552g of water) was charged and the mixture was adjusted to 80° C. while agitating for 30 min. The mixture was allowed to settle for 30 min. and the lower sodium hydroxide layer was drained off (940.8g) at 80° C. Hot water (1440g) was charged and the mixture was agitated for 15 min. then allowed to settle for 30 min. The water wash was separated leaving 7982g of crude phenylxylylethane alkylate. The phenylxylylethane alkylate was vacuum fractionated to remove excess o-xylene then pure phenylxylylethane, BP 224° C. at 100 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence