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Thermolysis of bibenzyl: roles of sulfur and hydrogen sulfide

Journal Article · · J. Org. Chem.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/jo00211a004· OSTI ID:5262837

The presence of sulfur in the thermolysis of bibenzyl considerably reduces the severity of the conditions required to cleave the aliphatic carbon-carbon bond. Bibenzyl rapidly reacts with sulfur at 425/sup 0/C to give nine fully characterized products: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, diphenylmethane, 1,1-diphenylethane, trans-stilbene, phenanthrene, 2-phenylbenzothiophene, and 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylthiophene. Toluene is the principal product, and its yields are dependent on reaction time, temperature, and sulfur loading. With the addition of H/sub 2/S to the sulfur-bibenzyl reaction mixture, the required elemental sulfur loading for maximum toluene yields is greatly decreased, and the mass recovery decreases with amounts of sulfur loaded. The two minor products, 2-phenylbenzothiophene and 2,3,4,5-tetraphenylthiophene, give evidence of sulfur incorporation under these sulfur concentration conditions. The addition of hydrogen to the reaction mixtures improves mass recovery and decreases conversion. 27 references, 4 figures, 4 tables.

Research Organization:
Univ. of North Dakota, Grand Forks
OSTI ID:
5262837
Journal Information:
J. Org. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Org. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 50:11; ISSN JOCEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English