Question

Weekend Challenge Question

Answer 1

Hexachlorophene was a popular germicide that was used up until the time it was banned in 1972. Tests were performed on this molecule and it was shown to affect the brains of animals. Suggest how the compound might be synthesized, starting with \(\sf \color{purple}{benzene}\).

Answer 2

chlorinate benzene to 1245 chloro benzene and then using high T&P in NaOH obtain 245
trichlorophenol .

by the condensation of a completely emulsified mixture of two mols of 2,4,5-trichlorophenol and about 1 mol of formaldehyde in the presence of sulfuric acid in concentration, you should get Hexachlorophene( 80-92%

Answer 3

That's a very unique synthesis method, using high temp and pressure with NaOH, but I think that might be a slow process and also change the other chlorines to alcohols :)
Correct me if I'm wrong. I am not too familiar with this method. I am used to a different method of making phenols.

Is there a way you can draw your process of condensation? I think it could be me, but I am not picturing this. Haha.
You're method looks very efficient. Which is why I am curious for you to explain it a bit more. I'm excited to hear it.

Answer 4

@zpupster I am too.

Answer 5

hey guys, i am definitely not an authority, but i like this idea of a weekend challenge. i am researching these reactions and that is what i came up with. i did not like the idea of high temp and heat because that is usually more expensive.
trying to back and maybe start with the phenol --chlorinate in chlorine gas and Aluminum chloride. so far i only see 246 chlorophenol..

i will try to comment on the rest later.

i hope you will give the answer on monday.

Answer 6

nuke it...lol

Answer 7

here is the idea behind the 245 trichloro phenol

source:
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/245t/245th/syn_of_245t_and_dioxin.htm

Answer 8

here is the idea to get us to hexachlorophene.

source:
http://www.oocities.org/capecanaveral/Hall/1443/agento.html

Answer 9

i remember this being in my household

Answer 10

source"
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/surgery/4629.htm

Answer 11

I think I can see where you're going with this :)
But the process you're describing does not outline a clear procedure to the synthesis of the desired product. In a lab, you should outline a synthesis of a product step-by-step on paper (in a lab, it is usually written on the fume hood) which is what I was looking for :)

You do not need to provide any household reagents btw, because you are assuming a lab setting. You have all the reagents necessary to make the desired product. No need to take monetary factors into consideration.

Answer 12

hey thank you for the advice,Abbot, could give the answer and i can use that as an example for next time.