A Facile Synthesis of 3-(Chloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,1'-biphenyl

摘要

3-(Chloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,1 '-biphenyl is a key intermediate for the preparation of bifenthrin, an insecticide which belongs to pyrethroid. The traditional synthetic process of 3-(chloromethyl)-2-methyl-1,1 '-biphenyl is complicated and involves high-toxic and high-risk reagents such as thionyl chloride, lithium aluminum hydride and methyl iodide, which causes significant environmental problems and safety issues. Herein, a facile and efficient synthesis process of 3-(chloromethyl)-2- methyl-1,1'-biphenyl was developed. The synthetic process is shortened from 6 steps to only 4 steps and avoids the use of high-toxic and high-risk reagents. Moreover, 3-(chloromethyl)-2-methyl-l,l'-biphenyl can be obtained by simple purification process in high yield (73.9 %). Compared with the traditional synthetic process, the synthetic process of 3-(chloromethyl)-2-methy 1-1,1 '-biphenyl reported here is more environmental friendly and efficient.