The preparation of thiophenes. I. From C4-molecules and carbon disulphide

Thiophene has been prepared by passing C₄-molecules and carbon disulphide in the vapour phase, over a promoted chromium-aluminium oxide catalyst. A 42 and 78% yield of thiophene were obtained from the reaction of n-butanol or crotonaldehyde with carbon disulphide, respectively. A possible scheme for these reactions has been proposed. In addition a number of catalysts for the reaction between n-butanol and carbon disulphide has been used and their efficiency determined. A number of substituted thiophenes was also obtained from the reaction between n-butanol and carbon disulphide; their yields and structures were determined.