Reactions with Stilbenes and Related Derivatives. Part I. Reactions of 1, 2-Dihalogeno-1, 2-bis-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanes with Alcohols

The reaction of 1, 2-dibromo-1, 2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)ethane with alcohols was associated with rearrangement to give the corresponding bis(4-methoxyphenyl)acetals. In boiling ethylene glycol 4,4′-dimethoxy-deoxybenzoin was also obtained due to an aldehyde-ketone rearrangement. 4,4′-Dimethoxybenzophenone was also formed being apparently derived from the acetals. The mechanism of formation of the acetals has been discussed.