Ethyl formate → Ethyl 2-formyl-3-(5-pyrimidyl)propionate

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Reaction Steps

A mixture of ethyl 3-(5-pyrimidyl)propionate (2.28 g) and ethyl formate (1.41 ml) dissolved in dry dimethoxyethane (5 ml) was added dropwise over 30 min to a suspension of sodium hydride (60%, 4.0 g) in DME (5 ml) under nitrogen, keeping the temperature below 0° C. Stirring was continued for a further 24 h, then the mixture was poured onto ice and washed with ether. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH 7, then evaporated and the residue extracted with acetone. Filtration and evaporation gave crude product, which was taken up in ethyl acetate, charcoaled, dried and evaporated to give ethyl 2-formyl-3-(5-pyrimidyl)propionate. Like other compounds of this type, this proved difficult to characterise and was used without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence