1-Chloro-4-(chloromethyl)benzene → 4-Chlorobenzyl cyanide

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

196 g (4 mol) of sodium Cyanide, 12.5 g (40 mmol) of tributylbenzylammonium chloride and 660 mL of water are initially introduced into a 2 l multineck apparatus with reflux condenser, internal thermometer and dropping funnel, and the mixture is heated to 90° C. At the same temperature, 644 g (4 mol) of molten 4-chlorobenzyl chloride are added dropwise in 1 h, and the mixture is then stirred for 2 h. After having been cooled to about 35° C., the organic phase is separated off, washed with water and fractionated over a short column. 552 g of 4-chlorobenzyl cyanide (91% of theory) are obtained.

Provenance & Evidence