Diphenyldichloromethane
# Diphenyldichloromethane

Diphenyldichloromethane is an organic compound with the formula $(C_6H_5)_2CCl_2.$ It is a colorless solid that is used as a precursor to other organic compounds.

## Synthesis

It is prepared from carbon tetrachloride and anhydrous aluminium chloride as catalyst in a double Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene. Alternatively, benzophenone is treated with phosphorus pentachloride:

    $(C_6H_5)_2CO$ + $PCl_5$ → $(C_6H_5)_2CCl_2$ + $POCl_3$

## Reactions

It undergoes hydrolysis to benzophenone.

    $(C_6H_5)_2CCl_2$ + $H_2O$ → $(C_6H_5)_2CO$ + 2 HCl

It is used in the synthesis of tetraphenylethylene, diphenylmethane imine hydrochloride and benzoic anhydride.

