The synthesis of toluene by the friedel‐craft's reaction

Abstract The aluminium chloride‐catalysed reaction between benzene and methyl chloride is considered as a method for producing toluene. It is shown that, under suitably chosen conditions, toluene may become the chief product, but it is impossible to prevent the formation of higher methylated compounds. The efficiency of the reaction is considered in terms of the utilization of benzene, methyl chloride and aluminium chloride. More than six methyl groups can be introduced for every molecule of aluminium chloride employed, but only in special circumstances is it possible to obtain more than one molecular proportion of toluene. Since the reaction is reversible, the effect of confining the liberated hydrogen chloride has been examined. Slightly better yields of toluene are thereby obtained. It is also demonstrated that in presence of aluminium chloride and hydrogen chloride under pressure, benzene and xylene give toluene and higher methylated products.