Sodium Cyanide → 2,3-Dichloro-4-methoxybenzeneacetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

With stirring, a solution of 68 g of 2,3-dichloro-4-methoxybenzyl bromide in 220 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide was added dropwise to a suspension of 15 g of anhydrous sodium cyanide in 250 ml of anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide. The mixture was subsequently heated to reflux temperature under an atmosphere of nitrogen for 5 hours. The cold reaction mixture was poured into 1.5 l of ice-water, after which the solid product which had formed was separated off, washed with water and purified by trituration with petroleum ether (at 40—60° C). Yield: 51 g (white crystals); m.p.: 118—119° C.

Provenance & Evidence