Sodium Cyanide → Benzeneacetonitrile, 2,3-dichloro-

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Reaction Steps

2,3-Dichlorobenzylchloride (5.0 g, 25.5 mmol) was dissolved in 100 ml DMSO. 9.2 g NaCN (188 mmol) were added and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, and the product extracted with ether. The organic layers were washed with water (2×) and brine, then dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated. The product was used as. Crude yield˜quantitative. An analytical sample was purified by column chromatography on silica, using a gradient from 10% to 75% dichloromethane in hexanes as eluent. The combined aqueous layers and wash liquids were treated with 100 ml bleach to oxidize the excess cyanide to less toxic materials.

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