Anthracene from benzyl toluene

From ortho-Benzyl Toluene.—Such a constitution is supported by other syntheses. When ortho-benzyl toluene is heated it loses four hydrogen atoms and anthracene is obtained. 

Anthracene—CmHid—178—exists as a constituent of coal-tar, and is obtained by expression from the substance remaining in. the still after the distillation of naphthalene, etc. The commercial product thus obtained is a yellowish mass containing 50-80-per cent, of anthracene, the purification of which is a matter of considerable difficulty. It has also been obtained synthetically, by the action of the heat on benzyl toluene, and in other ways. 

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