Potassium Carbonate → 2-(1,3-Dioxaindan-5-yl)propanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 50 g. of 3,4-methylenedioxycinnamic acid in 200 ml. of a 2 N potassium carbonate solution in a Parr shaker was added 0.5 g. of a five percent palladium on carbon catalyst. Hydrogen was introduced into the reactor to a pressure of 30 psig. The reaction was allowed to proceed until 0.26 moles of hydrogen were taken up (about 4 hours). At the completion of the reaction the mixture was filtered to remove the catalyst. Acidification of the mixture resulted in the precipitation of the desired 3,4-methylenedioxyphenylpropionic acid in 95 percent yield.

Provenance & Evidence