Methyl iodide → 2,4-Dimethoxy-5-methoxymethyl-benzonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 5-hydroxymethyl-2,4-dimethoxy-benzonitrile (218 mg, 1.128 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) cooled to 0° C. were sequentially added sodium hydride (34.2 mg, 1.354 mmol) and iodomethane (140 μL, 2.256 mmol). The icebath was removed after 5 min and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon for 12 h. Water was added and the product was extracted with methylene chloride (2×15 mL). The organic layers were washed with brine (1×2 mL) and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude residue by flash chromatography (Biotage system, KP-Sil™ 32-63 μm, 60 Å silica gel) eluting with 40% ethyl acetate in hexanes yielded 2,4-dimethoxy-5-methoxymethyl-benzonitrile as a white solid (221 mg, 95%).

Provenance & Evidence