Chloromethylation of aromatic compounds

摘要

The title process is effected by mixing CH2O or a polymer thereof with ClSO3H at 0-60 DEG C., introducing the aromatic compound, allowing the reaction to proceed at 30-100 DEG C., and removing the desired product from the organic layer. The first stage of the process may be carried out in presence of H2SO4. Examples describe the production of (1) trichlorobenzyl chloride from 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, (2) 3-nitrobenzyl chloride from PhNO2, and (3) 2-nitro-5-chlorobenzyl chloride from 4-nitrochlorobenzene.