Formic Acid → N-[(3S)-Tetrahydro-2,5-dioxo-3-furanyl]formamide

Participants

Reaction Steps

0.12 grams (0.003 mole) of magnesium oxide, a catalyst, was dissolved in 16 milliliters (ml) (0.405 mole) of 95% formic acid. 60.2 ml of acetic anhydride was then added to the aforementioned solution which was heated to 35°-40° C. for 10-15 minutes. Subsequently, 39.93 grams (0.3 mole) of L-aspartic acid was added and this mixture was stirred for 2.5 hours at 50°±2° C. At this point, an additional 8.6 ml of acetic anhydride was added and the reaction continued for an additional 2.5 hours at 50°±2° C. 9.2 ml (0.120 mole) of isopropyl alcohol was then added to the reaction mixture and heating was continued for an additional two hours. N-formyl-L-aspartic anhydride was formed at this point as shown by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Provenance & Evidence