Water → ethyl (E,E)-4-ethyl-2,4-hexadienoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 12.7 kg (235 mol) of sodium methoxide and 48.0 kg (214 mol) of ethyl diethylphosphonoacetate in 40 l of methanol is added dropwise 20 kg (204 mol) of 2-ethylcrotonaldehyde at 20°-30° C. during 0.5 hour. After stirring for 2 hours at same temperature, the reaction mixture is poured into the solution of 180 l of water and 120 l of toluene. The toluene layer is separated and combined with 50 l toluene extract of aqueous phase, and washed with two 120 l portions of saturated sodium chloride solution. After drying over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, the solvent is removed and the residue is distilled under reduced pressure to give ethyl (E,E)-4-ethyl-2,4-hexadienoate (Yield 28.5 kg) (83.1%), b.p. 41°-75° C./5-8 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence