Hydrochloric Acid → beta-Chlorocinnamoyl chloride

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 60 g (0.312 mol) ethyl benzoyl acetate in 96 ml (150 g) of phosphorous trichloride is added dropwise to 150 g(0.72 mol) of phosphorous pentachloride under nitrogen. The suspension that forms is cautiously brought to reflux temperature (HCl evolution observed) and is refluxed and stirred for 2-21/2 hrs. The solution that forms is stripped of phosphorous trichloride and phosphorous oxychloride at atmospheric pressure (76°-82° C.). The pot residue is distilled at 97°-108° C./0.75mm to give 54 g (86% yield) of product as an isomeric mixture.

Provenance & Evidence