Methyl 2-(Trifluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate → Methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoate

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of 105 g (0.5 mol) of methyl 2-(trifluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate in 250 ml of water, a solution of 150 g (1.5 mol) of potassium acetate in 500 ml of water was added dropwise and the mixture was refluxed for 5 hours. After separation of the oily layer, extraction was made from the water layer that was left using methylene chloride. The oily layer and extracted fraction were joined and dried. After evaporation of methylene chloride under atmospheric pressure, purification by distillation was performed to give methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropionate (TFPE) (54.07 g, 76%). Its analysis gave the following data:

Provenance & Evidence