1-Butanol → Robenacoxib

Participants

Reaction Steps

N,N-Dimethyl-5-ethyl-2-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoroanilino)phenylacetamide (26 g, 0.073 mol) and 6N NaOH (150 ml) are stirred as a two phase solution with n-BuOH (150 ml) at reflux temperature for 14 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction is poured over ice (500 ml). Toluene (500 ml) is added and the mixture transferred to a separatory funnel. The aqueous phase is brought to a pH of 1 with 3 N HCl. The organic layer is separated and the aqueous phase re-extracted with toluene (250 ml). The combined organic layers are dried (MgSO4) and concentrated under high vacuum (35-50 mbar) on a rotovap taking care not to warm above 50°. Small white needles are obtained by crystallization of the residue from hexane, m.p. 164-166°. Recrystallization from cyclohexane gives 5-ethyl-2-(2′,3′,5′,6′-tetrafluoroanilino)phenylacetic acid a white solid, m.p. 165-169°.

Provenance & Evidence