How is (1,2-Dichloroethyl)benzene (CAS: 1074-11-9) typically synthesized?

(1,2-Dichloroethyl)benzene is typically synthesized by the chlorination of ethylbenzene using chlorine gas in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, such as ferric chloride. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures and proceeds with good selectivity to form the desired dichloro compound, yielding up to 90% product. The process requires proper handling of chlorine and the catalyst.