Ethyl formate → 2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanenitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a stirred solution of 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl acetonitrile (8.86 g, 50 mmol) in diethyl ether (150 mL) was added sodium methoxide (2.97 g, 55 mmol) and ethyl formate (4.04 mL, 50 mmol) in diethyl ether (50 mL) solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hrs. A solid was precipitated. The mixture was filtered and the solid was collected and washed with diethyl ether. The solid was dissolved in water (50 mL). 10% acetic acid was then added dropwise to the solution. A white precipitation was formed and the mixture was filtered again. The while solid was washed with water and collected to afford 2-(3,4-dimethoxy-phenyl)-3-oxo-propionitrile (8.0 g, 78% yield).

Provenance & Evidence