Benzene → Veratryl chloride

Participants

Reaction Steps

180 kg. of 1,2-dimethoxy-benzene are chloromethylated with 44 kg. of paraformaldehyde and 280 kg. of concentrated hydrochloric acid at 48°-70° C in benzene as medium. The benzene solution of the 1,2-dimethoxy-4-chloromethyl-benzene thus obtained is heated with an aqueous solution of 105 kg. of sodium cyanide in the presence of fatty alcohol sulfonate emulsifier, under stirring. After removing the solvent 200-210 kg. of crude 3,4-dimethoxy-benzene cyanide are obtained, which may be purified by means of fractionating in vacuo in the presence of 3-5 kg. of triethylamine. At 110° to 168° C per 20 Hgmm (vapour temperature) 54-58 kg. of a forerun whereafter at 168°-196° C/5-8 Hgmm. 102-106 kg. of 3,4-dimethoxy-benzylcyanide as main fraction are obtained. The forerun contains predominantly 1,2-dimethoxy-benzene- and a small amount of 3,4-dimethoxy-benzyl cyanide.

Provenance & Evidence