Sulfuric Acid → Methyl(1-phenylethyl)benzene

Participants

Reaction Steps

Toluene 4423g 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° 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. A solution of sodium hyroxide (80g in 552g of water) was charged and the mixture was allowed to settle for 30 min, and the lower sodium hydroxide layer was drained off at 80° C. Hot water (1440g) was charged and the mixture was agitated for 15 min. then allowed to settle for 30 in. The water wash was separated leaving 7375g of crude phenyltolylethane alkylate. The phenyltolylethane alkylate was vacuum fractionated to remove excess toluene then pure phenyltolylethane, BP 205° C. 100 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence