Sodium Cyanide → 2-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy)-3-chlorophenylacetonitrile

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-chlorobenzyl bromide (1.6 g, 5.4 mmol) from Step 2 above in DMF (12 mL) was added NaCN (0.28 g, 5.7 mmol). The solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 14 h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc and saturated aqueous NaHCO3. The organic phase was dried (MgSO4), filtered, and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by pressurized silica gel column chromatography using a gradient elution of 5-20% EtOAc:hexanes to give 2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-3-chlorophenylacetonitrile as a colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence