Ethanol → Ethyl 4-chlorocinnamate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a solution of trans-4-chlorocinnamic acid (10 g, 55 mmol) in ethanol (60 mL) was added a catalytic amount of concentrated sulfuric acid (2-3 drops), and the mixture was heated (70° C.) until a majority of the starting material was consumed as evidenced by LCMS. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the contents were redissolved in ethyl acetate. The organic phase was extracted with an aqueous solution of sodium bicarbonate (5%, 3×) followed by a brine wash. The organic phase was dried (MgSO4), filtered and concentrated to afford trans-4-chlorocinnamic acid ethyl ester as a colorless oil. MS (ESI) m/z 211.1 ([M+H]+).

Provenance & Evidence