methyl (E)-3-(4-cyanophenyl)prop-2-enoate → Methyl 3-(4-cyanophenyl)propanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of methyl p-cyano-trans-cinnamate (13.6 g, 73 mmol) in toluene (485 mL) was added 5% Pd/BaSO4 (2.7 g). After 9 hours under hydrogen gas at 4 bar (60 psi), the solution was filtered, concentrated in vacuo and chromatographed over silica gel, eluting with a step gradient of hexanes through 30% ethyl acetate/hexanes. The product containing fractions were combined and concentrated to give 10.6 g (77%) of colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence