Reaction of Styrene Oxide in the Presence of Ion-exchange Resins

Abstract

The reactions of styrene oxide (1) with acetone, the isomerization of oxides, and reactions of (1) with alcohols in the presence of H-form ion-exchange resins (Dowex 50W-X8, Dowex 50 W-X4, Diaion PK 216, Amberlyst 15 and Nafion NR 50) were studied. The following results were obtained : 2, 2-Dimethyl-4-phenyl-1, 3-dioxolane was synthesized in a high yield (isolated yield 93%) by a simple reaction of (1) with acetone catalyzed by Amberlyst 15 or Nafion NR 50. Phenylacetaldehyde was obtained (isolated yield 91%) by the isomerization of (1) catalyzed by Amberlyst 15 or Nafion NR 50. 2-Phenyl-2-methoxyethanol was obtained in a high yield by the reaction of (1) with methanol catalyzed by ion-exchange resins.