Preparation of Ketones by the Friedel-Crafts Reaction

Introduction. In the preceding experiment a general discussion of the Friedel-Crafts reaction was given, which should be reviewed. The object of the present experiment is to illustrate the application of the Friedel-Crafts reaction to the synthesis of simple ketones. 

When an aryl hydrocarbon is reacted with an acyl halide or anhydride, hydrogen chloride is liberated and the acyl group unites with the nuclear carbon  

The benzene solution is dried with 15 g of calcium chloride, and the solvent is removed by distillation from a water bath. Transfer the remaining oil to a small distilling flask for the final distillation. The yield is 25-30 g. 

Caution Use care in handling carbon disulfide. It is exceedingly volatile and inflammable. It even becomes ignited on contact with a hot surface. 

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