Hydrochloric Acid → gamma-methyl-gamma-n-propyl-delta-Valerolactone

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 50 g. (0.326 mole) of 2-(beta-cyanoethyl) 2-methylpentanal, 27.3 g. (0.489 mole) potassium hydroxide and 150 ml. water was stirred for four and a half hours at reflux temperature. The reaction mixture was cooled to 20° C. and a solution of 13.6 g. (0.359 mole) sodium borohydride in 75 ml. water was added. The reaction temperature rose to 50° C. Stirring was continued for one and a half hours during which period the temperature dropped to 20° C. again. The reaction mixture was acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid. The oil was taken up in ether, washed with water and dried. Distillation yield 39.5 g. (78%) γ-methyl-γ-propyl-δ-valerolactone boiling at 85°-86° C. at 0.6 mm; nD20 1.4599. This oil exhibits a greenish, cumarinic, coconut-like hairy odor.

Provenance & Evidence