The Vespiary

The Hive => Methods Discourse => Topic started by: Vibrating_Lights on May 28, 2003, 10:40:00 PM

Title: alpha methyl stryene
Post by: Vibrating_Lights on May 28, 2003, 10:40:00 PM

is it possible to isomerize alpha methyl styrene to beta methyl styrene???

Title: doubtful
Post by: GC_MS on May 28, 2003, 10:45:00 PM

I don't think so. I don't see how you can transfer the methyl group from the alpha to the beta position in a simple way. Maybe by using some sort of exotic rearrangement, but certainly not by something I am aware of.

Title: Not likely
Post by: Aurelius on May 29, 2003, 01:56:00 AM

Alpha methylstyrene is too stable as is.  Not to mention for a rearrangement like that you would have to create a cation on a primary carbon vs a benzylic carbon.  Isn't going to happen (obviously, there's always exceptions, but I don't think this is one)