Intramolecular reactions are of particular value to construct cyclic systems. These reactions are usually carried out using dibasic acid anhydrides. For example, the synthesis α -tetralone has been accomplished from benzene and succinic anhydride using AlCl3 in 80% yield.
Examples:
5.2.2 Friedel-Crafts Alkylation
The reaction can be performed using alkyl halides, alcohols, esters, ethers, alkenes, aldehydes and ketones as alkylating agent. Reactions of the first four are accomplished using Lewis acid catalysis, while those of the last three by proton acids.
Mechanism
