Synthesis of Parsol [4-(1, 1-Dimethylethyl)-4′-methoxydibenzoylmethane)]

Parsol known as 4-(1, 1-dimethylethyl)-4’-methoxydibenzoylmethane is very important in blocking and/or absorbing the full spectrum of UVA rays. It was synthesized in two steps. PTSA was successfully used as catalyst and yield as researched was good. Molar concentrations of reactants, catalyst, and solvent were varied to study their effects on progress of synthesis, quality of product. Agitation effect studied was most promising from synthesis point of view. Purification of p-tert-butyl methyl ester was carried out using column chromatography instead using Widmer's column. Catalyst soda amide was used as powder and not as suspension. The yield of Parsol was 73.9%.