SwiX would greatly appreciate a response to this synth SwiX attempted twice, because SwiX fears P2P is not his finished product... but he is hopeful!
90ml hydratropic aldehyde added dropwise to 400ml sulfuric acid for 60 minutes, let react another 15 more minutes. Stirring was used throughout, temperature was maintained around -16 C. Poured onto 5lbs cracked ice. Molten ice was treated w/ 300ml toluene to pull P2P into the toluene. Washed tol/P2P once w/ water and once w/ dilute sodium bicarbonate solution (to remove sulfuric acid). Poured mixture into reaction flask, distilled off the 300ml toluene originally added, and SwiX is assuming the 40-50ml residue in the flask (thick oily liquid, golden color) is P2P.
Only problem is, SwiX has heard that P2P is a clear to pale-yellow liquid.... this is MUCH more an oil than it is a liquid. And secondly, why, when SwiX reads writeups on this process, is the P2P distilled over? If all SwiX pours in the reaction flask in the first place is the tol/P2P, isn't there just P2P left once SwiX distills off the toluene? SwiX believes this, especially since he washed the tol/P2P phase w/ water followed by a dilute sodium bicarbonate solution.
A response would be most appreciated.