Preparation of 2,6-difluoro-n-alkylbenzenes from 1,3-difluorobenzene Transformation of 2,6-difluorotoluene to the corresponding benzaldehyde via benzyl chloride

Abstract Reactions of n -alkyl chlorides with the 2,6-difluorophenyl anion prepared from 1,3-difluorobenzene by the action of sodium amide in liquid ammonia give 2,6-difluoro- n -alkylbenzenes in high yields. 2,6-Difluorotoluene reacts with chlorine at 80 °C to give 2,6-difluorobenzyl chloride in 92% yield. 2,6-Difluorobenzaldehyde has been obtained from this chloride through Sommelet's reaction in 62% yield.