asked 27.3k views
2 votes
Design a synthesis of o-bromo-t-butylbenzene from t-butylbenzene.

1 Answer

4 votes

Answer:

Sure, here is a synthesis of o-bromo-t-butylbenzene from t-butylbenzene:

Bromination

T-butylbenzene is brominated with bromine in the presence of a Lewis acid, such as FeBr3. This reaction produces a mixture of ortho and para bromo-t-butylbenzenes.

Separation

The mixture of ortho and para bromo-t-butylbenzenes can be separated by fractional distillation. The ortho isomer will have a lower boiling point than the para isomer.

Recrystallization

The ortho bromo-t-butylbenzene can be recrystallized from a suitable solvent, such as hexane. This will purify the product and yield o-bromo-t-butylbenzene in high yield.

Here is a more detailed step-by-step procedure:

Bromination

To a flask containing t-butylbenzene (100 mL) and bromine (10 mL) is added FeBr3 (10 g). The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Separation

The mixture is cooled in an ice bath and then poured into a separatory funnel. The organic layer is washed with brine (100 mL) and then dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The solvent is removed under reduced pressure and the product is recrystallized from hexane.

Recrystallization

The product is dissolved in hexane (100 mL) and then cooled in an ice bath. The crystals are collected by filtration and dried under vacuum.

The yield of o-bromo-t-butylbenzene is typically 80-90%.

Step-by-step explanation:

answered
User Ashunigion
by
7.5k points
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.