Toluene → 2-Pentanol, 4-methyl-, triester with boric acid (H3BO3)

Participants

Reaction Steps

Approximately 306 grams of 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 100 grams of toluene, and 62 grams of boric acid were charged to a 2-liter glass reactor having an inert nitrogen atmosphere and equipped with heater, agitator, and Dean-Stark tube with condenser. The reactants were heated up to about 155° C. for a period of about 5 hours with agitation unit water evolution during azeotropic distillation ceased. Approximately 52 grams of water was collected. The product was vacuum topped at about 155° C. to remove volatile solvent and filtered hot through diatomaceous earth to form a clear, water-white liquid.

Provenance & Evidence