Synthesis of p-tolyl benzyl ether with phase transfer catalysis under ultrasonic irradiation

With phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide(TBAB),p-tolyl benzyl ether was synthesized by the reaction of p-cresol and benzyl chloride in distilled water under help of ultrasonic irradiation.The product was characterized by IR spectrum and elemental analysis.Effects of molar ratio of the reactants,catalyst dosage,as well as power and time of ultrasonic irradiation on the product yield were investigated.Experimental results showed that optimal reaction conditions are as follows:n(p-cresol)∶n(NaOH)=1∶1.2,n(p-cresol)∶n(benzyl chloride)=1∶1.5(based on 0.1 mol p-cresol),dosage of catalyst 2.0 g,reaction temperature 70 ℃,reaction time 60 min and power of ultrasound 80 W.Yield of the product achieves 98.5%.