Reactions of tetralin induced by metal salts and complexes

Reaction of tetralin in the presence of AlCl 3 and its modifications has been reinvestigated and the products identified. 5- and 6-(1-phenylbutyl) tetralins are the primary products, which subsequently form partly hydrogenated tricyclic aromatic compounds and benzene. Further reactions produce ethylbenzene, n-butylbenzene, ethyltetralins and n-butyltetralins. A catalytic system containing AlCl 3 and hydrated salts (CH 3 COONa·3H 2 O and FeCl 3 ·2H 2 O) has been found to convert tetralin to 5- and 6-(1-phenylbutyl)tetralins with high selectivity.