Formic Acid → Methyl 4-[3-carboxy-4-(4-cyanophenyl)butyl]benzoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 7.5 g (16.25 mmol) of diallyl 2-(4-cyanobenzyl)-2-[2-(4-methoxycarbonylphenyl)ethyl]malonate from Example 46A, 0.3 g (1.14 mmol) of triphenylphosphine and 70 mg of palladium acetate in 170 ml of dioxane is mixed at room temperature with a solution of 7.47 ml (53.63 mmol) of triethylamine and 1.53 ml (40.63 mmol) of formic acid in 170 ml of dioxane. The reaction mixture is then stirred at 100° C. for 2 h. After conversion is complete, the reaction solution is cooled and the solvent is removed in vacuo. The residue is taken up in ethyl acetate and water and acidified with 1 N hydrochloric acid, and the organic phase is separated off. The aqueous phase is extracted three times more with ethyl acetate, and the organic phases are subsequently combined, washed with saturated brine and dried over sodium sulphate. After filtration, the solution is evaporated in vacuo. 5.48 g (89% of theory, 90% purity) of a colourless solid are obtained.

Provenance & Evidence