Trichloro-2,2-bis- p-tolyl ETHANE

A mixture of 165 g. (1.0 mole) of chloral hydrate and 202 g. (2.2 moles) of toluene is cooled in an ice bath and stirred vigorously while 600 g. of concentrated sulfuric acid is added slowly. The mixture is stirred for 3 hours after completion of the addition and then is poured into crushed ice. The organic product is separated, washed with water, and then triturated with 200 ml. of ethanol. The resulting solid is recrystallized from 1.3 1. of ethanol to give a 53% yield (166 g.) of l,l,l-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-tolyl)-ethane as white platelets, m.p. 89°. 

A solution of 165.5 g. (1.0 mole) of chloral hydrate, 61 g. (1.0 mole) of nitromethane, and 25 g. of sodium sulfite in 250 ml. of water is warmed on a steam bath. (Hood.) The solution becomes cloudy around a temperature of 60°, and a heavy oil separates rapidly. The reaction is completed by heating to 70°. The oily lower layer is separated, washed with water, and distilled to give a quantitative yield (208 g.) of colorless product boiling at 119°/3 mm. and melting at 44-46°. 

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