Ethyl cyanoacetate → Ethyl 2,3-Dicyanopropionate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of ethyl cyanoacetate (916.0 g, 8.10 mol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (2.5 L) was added slowly glycolonitrile (700.0 g, 6.75 mol) in water (55% solution). To the mixture was added potassium carbonate (932.7 g, 6.75 mol), over 1.5 h, ensuring that the reaction temperature did not rise above 30° C. The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate adjusted to pH 3 by addition of acid. The organic phase was separated and partially concentrated in vacuo. To the concentrate was added diethyl ether (1L) and the solution was washed with water (5×1 L), dried (MgSO4) and concentrated in vacuo to give Preparation 46 (803 g).

Provenance & Evidence