Hydrochloric Acid → 2-Cyano-5-(naphth-1-yl)pentanenitrile

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 0.7 gram (0.011 mole) of malononitrile in 50 mL of tetrahydrofuran was stirred, and 0.5 gram (0.011 mole) of sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil) was added portionwise during a ten minute period. Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at ambient temperature. After this time a solution of 3.0 grams (0.010 mole) of 3-(naphth-1-yl)propyl iodide (prepared as in Example 9, Steps A-D) in about 5 mL of tetrahydrofuran was added in one portion. Upon completion of addition, the reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for about 20 hours. The reaction mixture was acidified with aqueous 6N hydrochloric acid and then was further diluted with 100 mL of water. The mixture was extracted with two 100 mL portions of diethyl ether. The combined extracts were washed with an aqueous solution saturated with sodium chloride. The organic layer was dried with magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to a residue which was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel. Elution was accomplished using 40% to 65% methylene chloride and petroleum ether. The appropriate fractions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 1.1 grams of 2-cyano-5-(naphth-1-yl)pentanenitrile. The NMR spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Provenance & Evidence