Diphenylmethane

Structure of Diphenylmethane:

• Diphenylmethane consists of a methane molecule where two hydrogen atoms are replaced by two phenyl groups.

• The molecular formula is C13H12.

Structure of Diphenylmethane

Synthesis:

Friedel-Crafts Alkylation:

• Reaction: Benzene reacts with benzyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride to form diphenylmethane.

C6H6 + C6H5CH2Cl → AlCl3 (reagents) → C6H5CH2C6H5 + HCl

Reactions:

Oxidation:

• Diphenylmethane can be oxidized to benzophenone using a strong oxidizing agent.

C6H5CH2C6H5 + [O] → C6H5COC6H5

Electrophilic Substitution:

• Nitration: Diphenylmethane can be nitrated to produce nitro diphenylmethane.

C6H5CH2C6H5 + HNO3 → H2SO4 (reagents) → NO2C6H4CH2C6H5 + H2O

Derivatives:

1. Dyes: Some diphenylmethane derivatives, like auramine, are used as dyes.

2. Pharmaceuticals: Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, is a diphenylmethane derivative.

Medicinal Uses:

• Derivatives: Diphenylmethane derivatives, such as benzhydryl ether, have been used as antihistamines. Diphenylmethane is also a core structure in some drugs like methadone (an opioid) and certain antihistamines.