Iodine → 1,2-Di-p-tolylethane

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a suspension of 9.55 g Mg (0.39 mol) and a crystal of I2 in 500 ml anhydrous THF was added a solution of 100 g p-methylbenzylchloride (0.71 mol) in 150 ml anhydrous THF under an inert atmosphere in 30 minutes. The exothermic reaction caused the mixture to reflux. Subsequently the reaction mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the remaining white solid was treated with 400 ml pentane and 400 ml aqueous 10% HCl. The organic layer was extracted with 150 ml saturated NaCl (2 times) and dried with MgSO4. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure giving 69.8 g (0.33 mol, 93%) product as a white powder.

Provenance & Evidence