Sodium-potassium synergism in the alkylation of toluene and naphthalene with ethene in C10H8−Na−K systems in THF

Abstract

Sodium-potassium synergism in the alkylation of toluene and naphthalene with ethene in naphthalene-alkali metal systems in THF was discovered. In the case of toluene, the maximum synergistic effect is observed at an Na∶K molar ratio of 1∶1. With this Na∶K molar ratio, the yields of the products of toluene alkylation with ethene considerably increase. The efficiency of naphthalene alkylation (in the presence of toluene) is also markedly enhanced on replacement of sodium or potassium by their mixture.