Methanol → 4-(m-Phenoxyphenyl)-2-pentanone

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-(m-phenoxyphenyl)-butyryl chloride (1 g.) (from the corresponding acid (1 g.) using excess oxalyl chloride in benzene) in ether (20 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of dimethyl copper lithium at -70° C. under nitrogen (from methyl lithium (0.2 g.) and cuprous iodide (1 g.)) in ether (50 ml) and the mixture stirred a further 15 minutes at -70° C. Methanol was added to quench the reaction and the mixture was diluted with water, acidified and filtered through a pad of Kieselguhr. The ether layer was washed with sodium carbonate solution and with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and evaporated to give a colourless oil. The product was purified by column chromatography to give 4-(m-phenoxyphenyl)-2-pentanone as a colourless oil.

Provenance & Evidence