Lewis acid catalysts and solvents effects on the alkylation of naphthalene

Abstract

The alkylation of naphthalene with 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene was studied using various catalysts and solvents. Among many alkyl halide solvents and Lewis acid catalysts screened, aluminum chloride and dichloromethane were found the most effective catalyst and solvent, respectively. The alkylation activity was enhanced and product distributions were also favorably changed by introducing a small amount of benzylchloride to the base solvent of dichloromethane.