Reversible isomerisation of alkyl aromatics

Abstract

The isomerisation of α- and β-benzyl- and substituted-benzyl-naphthalenes catalysed by anhydrous aluminium chloride or toluene-p-sulphonic acid has been studied.Halogen-substituted-benzylnaphthalenes failed to isomerise whilst p-methyl- and p-methoxy-benzylnaphthalenes, isomerise more readily than benzylnaphthalene. The isomerisation is reversible, and aluminium chloride is more effective than toluene-p-sulphonic acid.