Summary: A lab synthesis starting from dry benzoin to prepare D6-e-benzoin (or 2-phenylacetophenone) using toluene as solvent and an in situ hydrogen iodide system. Iodine and red phosphorus generate phosphorus triiodide, which converts benzoin to an iodide; addition of benzoin, then hydrogen iodide, and stirring for several hours. Workup includes sodium thiosulfate, aqueous and organic extractions, drying the organic phase with magnesium sulfate, and solvent removal. Purification by recrystallization from methanol yields pale yellow crystals (about 0.4 g from the first batch; ~30% overall yield). The experiment notes the use of exotic solvents and suggests optimizing with a simpler solvent system.
