Methyl Acrylate → methyl 3-(N-vinylformamido)propionate

Reaction equation

[C:1]([O:5][CH3:6])(=[O:4])[CH:2]=[CH2:3].[CH:7]([NH:9][CH:10]=[O:11])=[CH2:8]>C1(=O)C=CC(=O)C=C1.C[O-].[Na+]>[CH:7]([N:9]([CH2:3][CH2:2][C:1]([O:5][CH3:6])=[O:4])[CH:10]=[O:11])=[CH2:8]

Participants

Procedure

To a 1000 mL three-neck round bottom flask equipped with a cold water condenser and stirrer was added 215 grams (2.5 moles) of methyl acrylate, 195 grams (2.75 moles) of N-vinylformamide, and 0.1 gram of benzoquinone. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for two minutes and 1.5 grams sodium methoxide was added in one portion. The mixture was stirred for approximately 2 hours at ambient temperature and allowed to stand overnight. The reaction mixture was distilled under vacuum and 361 grams of product (92% yield) boiling at 75° C. (0.8 mm Hg) was collected for analysis. 1H NMR analysis confirmed the identity of the 3-N-vinylformamido adduct.