Synthesis of Benzil

Aim: Synthesis of benzil from benzoin (oxidation reaction)

Theory: Benzil (Bz2, also known as 1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-dione) is the organic

compound with the formula (C6H5CO)2, generally abbreviated as (PhCO)2. This yellow solid
is one of the most common diketones..
Benzil is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate and uv curing resin photosensitizer. In
polymer chemistry, it is used as a photo initiator. Further, it serves as a potent inhibitor of
human carboxylesterases. It is used in the preparation of diketimines by reacting with amines.

Chemicals Required:
1. Benzoin
2. Conc. HNO3
3. Ethanol

Procedure:
1. Take 5 g of benzoin and 12.5 ml of concentrated nitric acid in a round bottomed flask
and heat it on a boiling water bath/ Hot plate for about 1 hour at 80 0C with occasional
shaking until the evolution of oxides of nitrogen ceases.
2. Now pour the contents into 300 – 400 ml ice cold water with continuous shaking.
3. Then filter the product and wash it with cold water.
4. Product can be recrystallized from ethanol, taking 2.5 ml per gram.
5. Calculate the yield and check M.P of the product.

Observations: