Benzyl chloride chloromethylation of benzene

Into a 1-litre three-necked flask, equipped with a reflux (double surface) condenser, a mechanical stirrer (preferably of the Hershberg type. Fig. II, 7, 8) and a gas lead-in tube extending to near the bottom of the flask, place 200 g. (227 ml.) of dry benzene, 20 g. of paraformaldehyde (1) and 20 g. of finely-pulverised, anhydrous zinc chloride. Support the flask on a water bath so arranged that the level of the water in it is about 

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