Interaction of Styrene with Magnesium Perchlorate and Other Salts

In connexion with an investigation into the mechanism of Friedel - Crafts reactions involving styrene, we required a supply of this olefin of maximum possible dryness1. Before proceeding to drying by evaporation in an all-glass high-vacuum apparatus of the Stock type, a preliminary treatment with magnesium perchlorate ('Anhydrone') was given. We found, however, that polymerization was induced by this drying agent: in three weeks a highly viscous polymer was obtained.