Benzophenone via nitric acid oxidation of 1,1-diphenylethane

Abstract

The discovery that 1,1-diphenylethane is present in the fuel-valued polyethylbenzene residues, available from commercial production of ethylbenzene, prompted us to utilize this feedstock for the preparation of benzophenone via nitric acid oxidation. Optimum conditions for oxidation include a temperature of 150-160 °C and Incremental addition of nitric acid. Oxidations at atmospheric pressure at reflux (100 °C), or those under autogeneous pressure below 150 °C, led to significant formation of nitration products.