Synthesis of symmetrical α-alkyl- and α-arylalkylbenzyl and diarylmethyl ethers by HCl-catalyzed intermolecular dehydration

Abstract

α-Alkyl-, α-arylalkyl-, and α-aryl-substituted benzyl alcohols were converted into the corresponding symmetrical dibenzyl ethers in the presence of a catalytic amount of 10% aqueous HCl both in methylene chloride and under solvent-free conditions. Analogous reactions in dioxane and on heating afforded mainly the corresponding arylalkenes, whereas symmetrical dibenzyl ethers were formed as minor products.