A Convenient Synthesis of 2,4,6-Trichloroheptane, the Trimer Model of Poly(vinyl chloride)

A new two step synthesis of the stereoisomers of 2,4,6-trichloroheptane has been developed. The starting material, 1,6-heptadiene-4-ol, is inexpensive and commercially available. The hydrochlorination of this diene, followed by chlorination of the resultant 2,6-dichloro-4-heptanol, produces the desired trichloride in good yield. A random distribution of stereoisomers in the final product is indicated by the C NMR spectrum. The synthesis is a convenient method to obtain this very useful trimer model od poly(vinyl chloride).