Alkylation of N-substituted 2-phenylacetamides: Benzylation of N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylacetamide

Abstract

Benzylation of N-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-phenylacetamide with benzyl chloride in the presence of powdered potassium hydroxide under various reaction conditions was performed in order to establish the possible reaction products. Different temperatures and ratios of reactants and solvents were used. The reactions were also carried out in the presence of different phase-transfer catalysts in toluene as a solvent. The formation of the reaction products was followed using gas chromatography. On the basis of the obtained results, the reactivity and the orientation in the alkylation reaction of the investigated amide is discussed.

Keywords

• alkylation
• benzylation
• 2-phenylacetamides
• phase-transfer catalysis