Water → Methyl 4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutanoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-fluorobenzaldehyde (35.38 g, 285.07 mmol) in 35 mL dimethylformamide (DMF) was added to a heated (48° C.) solution of methyl acrylate (26.28 mL, 25.03 g, 290.7 mmol) and powdered KCN under Argon. The reaction mixture was stirred at 40° C. for 2 hours and then poured into 500 mL of water. This aqueous phase was extracted twice with 500 mL of Et2O and once with 250 mL of EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water and saturated brine, and then dried over MgSO4. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give 50.89 g (242.2 mmol, 84.93%) of 4-(3-fluoro-phenyl)-4-oxo-butyric acid methyl ester as an oil. MS: 211 (M+H)+.

Provenance & Evidence