DI PHENYL METHANE

Diphenylmethane is synthesized by reacting benzene and benzyl chloride at elevated temperatures in a Friedel-Crafts type reaction using catalytic amounts of a Friedel-Crafts metal halide catalyst such as ferric chloride whereby the desired product is obtained with a good selectivity and a high conversion rate.

Uses

The fragrance industry uses diphenylmethane both as a fixative and in soaps to scent them. This substance can be used in pesticides and insecticides to synergize with pyrethrin. The plasticizer diphenylmethane can be used as a dye carrier, a solvent for dyes, or a plasticizer to improve dyeing properties. Used for organic synthesis; in dyes; in fragrances, flavor compounds, and perfumery; in solvents for cellulose lacquers; in the manufacture of hexachlorophene, benzophenone, and pharmaceuticals; [HSDB] Used in fragrances, dyes, polyesters, and jet fuels.