[Ak]

is there any way tht i can take a 1-ethyl, 2-methylbenzene and join the ethyl and methyl group into a cyclopentane and thus make indane.  If it is can you tell me the reagents that are involved.  Thanks

[macman104]

I'm sure it's possible, somehow...but how much chemistry do you know?

If you're asking if there's just a simple way to combine the two pieces, not that I know of.

[Ak]

ya i was hoping for an easy way...i thought tht if i did 2 FC alkylations on a benzene and then somehow join those to branches i could make indane...do u have any simple suggestions on how it can be done

[macman104]

ya i was hoping for an easy way...i thought tht if i did 2 FC alkylations on a benzene and then somehow join those to branches i could make indane...do u have any simple suggestions on how it can be done

Making the two arms is simple.  However, there is no simple one-step method for joining the two pieces.

[Mitch]

Br2 and light. Followed by a Wurtz reaction will get you your ring, you'll also have to remove any remainder bromine in the molecule. This reaction sequence will likely produce a host of side products as well,