Ring halogenation of a-substituted alkyl aromatic compounds in presence of Lewis acid catalysts is practically impossible due to competing alkylation, which usually leads to polymerization and tar formation. Benzyl derivatives like bromide, chloride, alcohol, or acetate cannot be halogenated in the presence of iron or aluminum salts. It is also well- known that benzyl chloride cannot even be distilled in the presence of traces of iron due to ...
