Methanol → Methyl 3-(1-cyanoethyl)benzoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 3-(1-cyanoethyl)benzoic acid (2.0 g, 11 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added conc. sulfuric acid (0.2 mL), and the mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 8 hr. The reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, and neutralized with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and filtrated. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1.9 g, 89%) as a colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence