Orientation in the Friedel-Crafts Acylation of 3-Methoxydiphenylene Oxide

Abstract

Orientation in the Friedel-Crafts acylation of 3-methoxydiphenylene oxide [1] was studied. The reaction of I with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminium chloride in nitrobenzene was carried out at 20° C for 1 hr, 2-acetyl-3-methoxydiphenylene oxide was obtained in 86 % yield. The site of acylation of I was elucidated. Similarly, the reaction with benzoyl chloride, 2-benzoyl-3-methoxydiphenylene oxide was obtained in 90 % yield.