P2P Method Via Benzyl Sodium
Intriged by this method mentioned in Post 239660 (not existing), I have decided to try and break down what the reaction could be. This not an answer, more of a thought train that needs more input from other bees, as details of the method have not be found as of yet.
1. The addition of benzyl chloride to Sodium Metal to obtain benzyl sodium.
C6H5.CH2Cl + 2Na = C6H5.CH2Na + NaCl
This raises the question, is this a straight addition if so wouldn't this happen.
C6H5.CH2Cl + Na = C6H5.CH2 (hypotheticaly) + NaCl
The hypothetical C6H5.CH2 would rearrange itself into other compound(s) ?
Or maybe the benzyl chloride would not react with the sodium until excess sodium was available to fill the space where the Chlorine was.
2. The Reaction of benzyl Sodium with ethyl acetate.
C6H5.CH2Na + CH3.COOC2H5 = C6H5CH2COCH3 + C2H5ONa ?
Sodium Ethoxide ?? makes me wonder if that is going to just sit there and not reduce anything, but if there is not a hydrogen doner then maybe it will sit there.
So lets look at this another way, sodium and ethyl acetate.
Bouveault-Blanc method of reduction of esters, consists in refluxing the ester with metallic sodium and an alcohol.....without the alcohol, there is no hydrogen doner so we would we be looking at sodium acetate and C2H5 radical ?
So we have this C2H5 radical that is going to want to join to something ! Umm the C6H5.CH2 ? don't think so !
So maybe there is another reagent involved in the reaction to send things in the phenylacetone direction that isn't a hydrogen doner ?
My thinking continues.......................................
And my thinking also continues with using lithium instead of sodium.......................................
One day I'll understand everything !