Pyridine → 2,2,2-Trichloroethyl 2-oxopropanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 3.3 g (37.5 mmole) of pyruvic acid and 7.9 g (37.5 mmole) of trichloroethyl chloroformate in 20 ml of dry tetrahydrofuran at 0° is added dropwise 0.6 ml of pyridine. After stirring for 2 hours at room temperature, the mixture is concentrated in vacuum, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract is washed with 5% HCl, dried over MgSO4, evaporated and distilled in vacuum to give 4.0 g (50%) trichloroethyl pyruvate, bp 75°-82° (17 mm).

Provenance & Evidence