Diphenyldichloromethane is an organic compound with the formula (C6H5)2CCl2. It is a colorless solid that is used as a precursor to other organic compounds.
Synthesis It is prepared from carbon tetrachloride and anhydrous aluminium chloride as catalyst in a double Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene. Alternatively, benzophenone is treated with phosphorus pentachloride: (C6H5)2CO + PCl5 → (C6H5)2CCl2 + POCl3
Reactions It undergoes hydrolysis to benzophenone. (C6H5)2CCl2 + H2O → (C6H5)2CO + 2 HCl
Reductive dehalogenation of diphenyldichloromethane with copper or with nickel gives tetraphenylethylene:
References