Toluene → alpha-(4-Biphenylyl)-alpha-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl]acetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

The solution of 100 parts of α-(4-biphenylyl)acetonitrile and 90 parts of 2-chloro-N,N-diisopropylethylamine in 850 parts by volume of toluene is heated to about 80° C. and then 22 parts of sodium amide is added slowly over a period of 30 minutes keeping the temperature at 80°-85° C. The mixture is heated at 80° C. for another 30 minutes and then cooled to room temperature. 500 Parts by volume of water is then added to the mixture and the organic layer is separated and extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid. The aqueous acidic extract is made alkaline by the addition of dilute sodium hydroxide. The alkaline mixture is extracted with ether and the ether extract is dried over calcium sulfate, filtered and stripped of solvent to afford an oil which solidifies upon standing. The crude oil is crystallized from hexane to afford α-(4-biphenylyl)-α-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl]acetonitrile, melting at about 54°-56° C. This compound is represented by the following structural formula ##STR21##

Provenance & Evidence