Azobisisobutyronitrile → Methyl 2-bromo-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]acetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To the solution of 21.8 g of methyl m-trifluoromethylphenylacetate in 450 ml of carbon tetrachloride a portion of 18.7 g of N-bromosuccinimide is added along with several drops of triethylamine and a pinch of azobisisobutyronitrile. The mixture is warmed to reflux with a 250 watt incandescent bulb and a precipitate is formed. Thereupon the remainder of N-bromosuccinimide is added, the light removed and the solution stirred for 3 hours. It is cooled in an ice bath and the solid formed removed by filtration. The filtrate is evaporated the residue dissolved in diethyl ether-water and the organic phase washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water. It is dried, evaporated, the residue distilled and the fraction boiling at 85°-88°/0.4 mmHg collected, to yield the methyl α-bromo-m-trifluoromethylphenylacetate.

Provenance & Evidence