One pot synthesis of linear 1-alkylbenzenes from styrene, ethylene and hydrogen

• A new way for the synthesis of linear alkyl benzenes is presented.
• Some poly-insertion catalysts are employed for this purpose.
• Relevant issue is the regiochemistry of styrene insertion into the metal carbon bond.
• The absence of regiocontrol redirects the synthesis towards α,ω-diphenylalkanes.

Highly linear 1-alkylbenzenes can be obtained in mild conditions and with good selectivity, through the homogeneous catalysis of olefin polyinsertion from cheap and largely available reagents. The comparison among some ansa metallocenes shows that the coordinative framework of the catalytic metal, by regulating the regiochemistry of the styrene insertion, determines upon the selectivity of the reaction.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (84 K)Download as PowerPoint slide