Hydrochloric Acid → (1-Nitromethylcyclohexyl)acetic acid ethyl ester

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Reaction Steps

To a mixture of 64.72 g (0.469 mole) potassium carbonate suspended in 469.5 mL dimethyl sulphoxide is measured in, during the course of 1 to 2 hours at 95° C., a solution of 158 g, (0.939 mole) ethyl cyclohexylideneacetate and 85.94 g (1.408 mole) nitromethane. After completion of the addition, stirring is continued at 95° C. for 2 to 3 hours. Subsequently, with ice-water cooling, the reaction solution is acidified with about 150 mL concentrated hydrochloric acid and diluted with 1.5 L of water. The resultant phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted several times with petroleum ether. The combined organic phases are washed neutral with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The solvent is subsequently distilled off in a vacuum. 190.3 g Ethyl 1-nitromethyl-cyclohexaneacetate in the form of an oil are obtained; yield 88.4% of theory. Composition according to HPLC: 90% of the desired product of Step 2 and 6% ethyl cyclohexylideneacetate (Step 1).

Provenance & Evidence