Preparation of Some Alkylthallium(III) Dichlorides and Their Reactions with Potassium and Copper Halides

Abstract

Abstract A simple synthesis is given for the stable monoalkylthallium(III) dichloride, C6H5CH(OR)CH2TlCl2 (1) from the corresponding diacetate (2) and potassium chloride in methanol or acetonitrile. 1(R=Me) reacts slowly with potassium and copper (I) halides to give mainly α-methoxystyrene and C6H5CH(OMe)CH2X (X=Cl, Br, I), respectively. It is concluded that 1(R=Me) is less susceptible than 2(R=Me) to SN1, SN2, and SNi reactions.