Benzoyl chloride → Phenylglyoxylonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

Using apparatus and a procedure such as was used in Example 1, 140.5 grams (1.0 mole) of benzoyl chloride, 55.0 grams (1.1 moles) of sodium cyanide and 20.0 grams of copper filings were charged to a flask and heated under nitrogen, with stirring, to reflux temperature. The reaction mixture was maintained at a temperature ranging from 190° C. to 200° C. for about 4.5 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled, diluted with 100 ml. toluene and suction filtered. The filtrate was then distilled to produce 75.0 grams (57.3% yield) of benzoyl cyanide having a boiling point of 48° C. at 0.01 mm. Hg. The distilled product became a semi-solid material at room temperature.

Provenance & Evidence