Iodoethanol → Valproic Acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To the product of Example 21 (4.87 g, 30 mmol), 2-iodoethanol (5.16 g, 30 mmol) was added with stirring and cooling in an ice bath. The neat mixture was then heated to 100° C. in a water bath for 10 minutes, then removed from the heat and stirred for an additional 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was then dissolved in 50 mL of ether, washed with water (1×30 mL), 5% NaOH (2× 30 mL), and again with water (2×30 mL). The ether layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. A light yellow liquid product was obtained in 67% yield from valproic acid (6.0 g). Silver nitrate gave a bright yellow precipitate. NMR analysis confirmed the identity of the product.

Provenance & Evidence