Phenol → Ethyl 4-(2-nitrophenoxy)butanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a stirred solution of 2-nitrophenol (1) (1.4 g, 10 mM) and ethyl 4-bromobutyrate (2.1 g, 1.57 mL, 11 mM) in 35 mL of dry acetone is added 2 g (14.5 mM) of anhydrous, ground potassium carbonate. The resultant colored mixture is then heated under a nitrogen atmosphere at gentle reflux until the color due to the phenol anion has dissipated and a yellow mixture remains. Concentration of the cooled and filtered mixture yields an oil which on flash chromatography (silica gel, ethyl acetate/hexane- or methylene chloride as eluant) yields 2.4 g (96% yield) of the title compound (3) as an oily liquid.

Provenance & Evidence