Methyl 2-(Trifluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate → Methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoate

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 150 g (1.5 mol) of potassium acetate in 500 ml of water was added dropwise to a solution of 105 g (0.5 mol) of methyl 2-(trifluoromethyl)-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate as above produced in 250 ml of water and the mixture was refluxed for 5 hours. After separation of the oily layer, extraction was made from the water layer that was left with use of methylene chloride and the solution of extracts and separated oily layer were joined and dried. After methylene chloride was removed by evaporation under atmospheric pressure, purification was made by distillation to give methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropropionate (TFPE) (54.07 g, 76%). Its analysis gave the following data:

Provenance & Evidence