Ethyl Propionate → Ethyl 2-Formylpropionate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of ethyl formate (55.2 g) and ethyl propionate (51.0 g) was added dropwise with stirring to a suspension of sodium hydride (20.9 g, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in dry THF (260 ml) under nitrogen. On completion of the addition, the temperature of the reaction mixture rose gradually from ambient temperature to 45° C. accompanied by rapid evolution of hydrogen. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours then cooled and water (400 ml) was added cautiously. The basic solution was washed with ether, then acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether to give an oil. The oil was distilled and the fraction boiling in the range 100°-160° C. was collected to give ethyl 2-formylpropionate.

Provenance & Evidence