3-Methyl-2-butanol → But-2-enoic acid 1,2-dimethyl-propyl ester

Participants

Reaction Steps

3-Methyl-butan-2-ol (180 g), crotonic acid (165 g), toluene (200 mL), and PTSA (8 g) were charged into to a 2-L reaction flask fitted with a Bidwell-Sterling trap. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux. Water was collected and removed via the Bidwell-Sterling trap. The reaction mixture was aged at reflux for about 13-15 hours till GC analysis showed completion of the reaction. The resulting reaction mixture was washed sequentially with brine, sodium carbonate, and brine, and further purified by fractional distillation to provide but-2-enoic acid 1,2-dimethyl-propyl ester (157 g) with a boiling point of 53° C. at 0.77 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence