Electrochemical chlorination of toluene by two-phase electrolysis

A simple method for the preparation of benzyl chloride from toluene by two-phase electrolysis is reported. The major product is benzyl chloride in contrast to chlorotoluenes in homogeneous electrolysis. Electrolysis was carried out at 30 °C in chloroform solvent. Toluene conversion ranges from 80 to 85% and the selectivity is as high as 95%. The effect of different electrodes, temperatures, and current density are studied and the optimum condition is reported.