Improved Selectivity in the Chloromethylation of Alkylbenzenes in the Presence of Quaternary Ammonium Salts

Improved yield and selectivity in the chloromethylation of aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of several phase transfer catalysts are reported. The best yield (98%) and selectivity (p/o ratio = 8.2) were obtained in the chloromethylation of cumene in the presence of a classical micellar catalyst.