Sommelet Reaction

Abstract

Abstract The transformation of an α‐halomethyl aromatic— that is, benzyl halide— into the corresponding aldehyde by means of treatment with hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) followed by mild acidic hydrolysis is generally referred to as the Sommelet reaction. The study finds that this reaction is assumed to be generally applicable to all aromatic compounds with an α‐halomethyl group, which often produces the corresponding aldehydes. In addition, the Sommelet reaction can also convert primary or secondary benzyl amines into aldehydes, in which the secondary amines are in general less reactive than primary amines. However, the Sommelet reaction has been found to be unsuccessful for a few transformations. This reaction has been extended to the preparation of ketones.