Does anyone know what PhMe is used for in this reaction (how it contributes to the mechanism?)? I thought pericyclic reactions only needed heat? Thanks!
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1$\begingroup$ Heard about solvents? $\endgroup$– MithoronCommented Feb 7, 2018 at 1:57
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$\begingroup$ Is there any reason for that particular one? $\endgroup$– Sarah SmithCommented Feb 7, 2018 at 2:05
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$\begingroup$ Again @Zhe, have you thought about converting to an answer? $\endgroup$– Oscar LanziCommented Feb 7, 2018 at 15:19
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1 Answer
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PhMe is methylbenzene, better known as toluene.
Toluene is a very common nonpolar, organic solvent. As a simple aromatic solvent, it is preferred over benzene, which is known to be carcinogenic.
In your example, it's a good solvent because it (a) dissolves both reactants quite easily and (b) has a high boiling point (about $110\ ^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$). The higher boiling point allows the reaction to be heated to a higher temperature, which helps the reaction go faster.
