Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-keto-propanoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Into a 5 liter RBF is placed 1000 g (4.37 mole) of methyl 2-methyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-keto-propanoate, 157 g (5.25 mole) of paraformaldehyde, 1000 ml of pyridine, and 50 g of Triton B (40% in MeOH). The resulting mixture was heated 50° C. for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was transferred to a 12 liter separatory funnel and 1.5 liters of ether and 2 kgs of ice are added. The mixture is slowly acidified by 1.0 liters of conc HCl and the organic phase is separated, washed with 2 liters of brine and dried over MgSO4. On concentration, it affords 1100 g (100%) of a red oil, methyl 2-methyl-2-hydroxymethyl-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-keto-propanoate. NMR data was consistent with the structure.

Provenance & Evidence