Diphenyldichloromethane

Diphenyldichloromethane is an organic compound with the formula (C6H5)2CCl2. It is a colorless solid that is used as a precursor to other organic compounds.

Synthesis
It is prepared from carbon tetrachloride and anhydrous aluminium chloride as catalyst in a double Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene. Alternatively, benzophenone is treated with phosphorus pentachloride:
 * (C6H5)2CO +  PCl5  →   (C6H5)2CCl2  +  POCl3

Reactions
It undergoes hydrolysis to benzophenone.
 * (C6H5)2CCl2 +  H2O  →   (C6H5)2CO  +  2 HCl

It is used in the synthesis of tetraphenylethylene, diphenylmethane imine hydrochloride and benzoic anhydride.