I suspect its possible to extract with DCM instead of benzene when extracting the MDP2P?
It is possible to use DCM, but it is not recommended - the post-reduction mixture containing all those iron salts is very emulsion-prone as is, and would become horrible together with DCM. Better use toluene or ether, they are more hydrophobic and separates faster from the aqueous phase.
Also, it looks like they distilled the MDP2P At 260mm HG. Possible Is this even? Wouldnt it polymerize? I assumes that
yields would increase yew you distilled At has lower vacuum.
Yes, it is possible, if your ketone is reasonably pure: Post 318578 (https://www.thevespiary.org/talk/index.php?topic=9131.msg31857800#msg31857800)
(Chromic: "dreams of MDP2P", Methods Discourse) However, good yields cannot be guaranteed - better stick to vacuum distillation.