In situ infrared spectroscopic studies of the Friedel–Crafts acetylation of benzene in ionic liquids using AlCl3 and FeCl3
Abstract
In situ infrared spectroscopic studies have revealed that the mechanism of the Friedel–Crafts acetylation of benzene is exactly the same in ionic liquids as in 1,2-dichloroethane. The reaction of acetyl chloride with benzene in the presence of MCl3 (M = Al or Fe) in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, ([bmim]Cl), leads to the formation of several key intermediates including the MCl3 adducts of the acetyl chloride, the acetylium ion [CH3CO]+[MCl4]−, and the final product, the MCl3 adduct of acetophenone.