Structure of Diphenylmethane:
Diphenylmethane consists of a methane molecule where two hydrogen atoms are replaced by two phenyl groups.
The molecular formula is C13H12.
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:
Dyes: Some diphenylmethane derivatives, like auramine, are used as dyes.
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.