Phenylacetonitrile → Ethyl 3-cyano-3-phenylpyruvate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 117.1 g. (1.0 mol.) of phenylacetonitrile and 326 ml. (2.4 mol.) of ethyl oxalate was added to an ethanol solution of sodium ethoxide [prepared by dissolving 23.8 g. (1.08 g.-atom) of sodium in 500 ml. of absolute ethanol] and refluxed 2 hours. After cooling, diluting with 2500 ml. of water and extracting with ether, the solution was acidified with acetic acid. The solid was removed and washed with water to give ethyl 3-cyano-3-phenylpyruvate, m.p. 127°-129°.

Provenance & Evidence