Sodium Cyanide → 3-Chloro-5-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylacetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 3-chloro-5-trifluoromethoxybenzyl mesylate (8.2 g, 26.8 mmol; see step (i) above) in DMSO (50 mL) was added sodium cyanide (2.6 g, 53.6 mmol). The resulting heterogeneous solution was warmed to 50° C. and sonicated for 1 hour. The reaction was cooled and partitioned between Et2O and H2O. The organics were washed with H2O (2×) and brine (2×). The combined aqueous phases were extracted with Et2O (1×). The combined organics were dried (Na2SO4), filtered and concentrated under a low heat and partial vacuum to afford the sub-title compound (6.3 g, 100%) as a reddish volatile oil which was used in the next step without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence