On the reaction of phenylethyne with formaldehyde On the reaction of phenylethyne with formaldehyde

Abstract The acid‐catalyzed reaction of phenylethyne with formaldehyde has been studied. From the complex reaction mixture a number of compounds have been isolated. Their structures and the mechanism of their formation are discussed. Preliminary results on the acid‐ and alkali‐catalyzed reactions of acetophenone with formaldehyde are reported.