Acrylonitrile → 4-(3-Chlorophenyl)-4-oxobutanenitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 23.6 g. of α-(m-chlorophenyl)-4-morpholineacetonitrile in 100 ml. of tetrahydrofuran is added 120 drops of a 30% solution of KOH in methanol. To the mixture is added 4.1 ml. of acrylonitrile (temperature rose to 45° C.). After stirring 1 hr., the mixture is concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The residue is dissolved in methylene chloride and passed through a short column of hydrous magnesium silicate. The eluent is concentrated under vacuum to give 36.6 g. of a yellow oil. The oil is heated (steam bath) with a mixture of 150 ml. of acetic acid and 10 ml. of water for 1 hr. The solvent is removed under vacuum and the residue treated with water. The mixture is filtered to give 18.8 g. of crystals, m.p. 49°-51° C.

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