Ethyl Acetate → 2-Fluoro-6-(2,3,5-trifluorobenzyloxy)-benzonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a cold (ice water) suspension of sodium hydride (407 mg; 10 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (4 mL) is added a solution of 2,3,5-trifluorobenzyl alcohol (1.62 g; 10 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (5 mL) over 10 minutes. After allowing to room temperature over 1 hour, this solution is added to a cold (ice water) stirred solution of 2,6-difluorobenzonitrile (1.56 gm; 11 mmol) in anhydrous DMF (5 mL), and allowed to room temperature over 3 hours. TLC (25% EA/Hex) was incomplete so the reaction was continued at room temperature for an additional 2 hours. The reaction mixture is poured into ice water with vigorous stirring and the resulting solid is filtered, washed with water, and dried under vacuum at 40° C. for 4.5 hours to give 2.05 grams of 2-fluoro-6-(2,3,5-trifluorobenzyloxy)-benzonitrile.

Provenance & Evidence