Methyl Benzoate → Dibenzoylmethane

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture containing 6.0 g (0.05 mol) of acetophenone, 40.8 g (0.30 mol) of methyl benzoate, and 3.73 g (0.06 mol) of 90% CaO is heated with stirring at 195°-200° C. for three and one-half hours while under nitrogen. The methanol (3.6 mL) that is distilled during the reaction is collected in a Dean Stark collector. The mixture is cooled, and 100 mL of toluene is added. The resulting mixture is cooled in cold water and acidified with 6N HCl. Stirring is continued until all of the solid is dissolved (ca 30 minutes). The toluene layer is separated and washed with aqueous Na2CO3 and water. Evaporation of the toluene solution gave 10 g of 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanedione as an oil representing an 89% yield based on acetophenone.

Provenance & Evidence