Diphenyldichloromethane is an

organic compound Some chemical authorities define an organic compound as a chemical compound that contains a carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bond; others consider an organic compound to be any chemical compound that contains carbon. For example, carbon-co ...

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 Carbon tetrachloride, also known by many other names (such as carbon tet for short and tetrachloromethane, also IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic chemistry, recognised by the IUPAC), is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CCl4. It is a n ...

and anhydrous

aluminium chloride Aluminium chloride, also known as aluminium trichloride, is an inorganic compound with the formula . It forms a hexahydrate with the formula , containing six water molecules of hydration. Both the anhydrous form and the hexahydrate are col ...

as catalyst in a double Friedel-Crafts alkylation of

benzene Benzene is an Organic compound, organic chemical compound with the Chemical formula#Molecular formula, molecular formula C6H6. The benzene molecule is composed of six carbon atoms joined in a planar hexagonal Ring (chemistry), ring with one hyd ...

. Alternatively,

benzophenone Benzophenone is a naturally occurring organic compound with the formula (C6H5)2CO, generally abbreviated Ph2CO. Benzophenone has been found in some fungi, fruits and plants, including grapes. It is a white solid with a low melting point and ros ...

is treated with

phosphorus pentachloride Phosphorus pentachloride is the chemical compound with the formula . It is one of the most important phosphorus chlorides/oxychlorides, others being and . finds use as a chlorinating reagent. It is a colourless, water-sensitive solid, althoug ...

: :(C₆H₅)₂CO + PCl₅ → (C₆H₅)₂CCl₂ + POCl₃

Reactions

It undergoes

hydrolysis Hydrolysis (; ) is any chemical reaction in which a molecule of water breaks one or more chemical bonds. The term is used broadly for substitution reaction, substitution, elimination reaction, elimination, and solvation reactions in which water ...

to benzophenone. :(C₆H₅)₂CCl₂ + H₂O → (C₆H₅)₂CO + 2 HCl Reductive dehalogenation of diphenyldichloromethane with copper or with nickel gives tetraphenylethylene: :

References

Phenyl compounds Organochlorides {{organohalide-stub