Sodium Cyanide → 2-(2,3,5-Trichlorophenyl)acetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 19.2 grams (0.070 mole) of 2,3,5-trichlorophenylmethyl bromide in 50 mL of methanol was stirred, and a solution of 4.1 grams (0.084 mole) of sodium cyanide in 10 mL of water was added dropwise during a 10 minute period. The addition caused an exothermic reaction which raised the reaction mixture temperature to about 35° C. Upon completion of the addition the reaction mixture was warmed to reflux, where it was stirred for 4.5 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature, where it was stirred for about 60 hours. After this time the reaction mixture was poured into water, and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with two portions of water, two 25 mL portions of aqueous 10% hydrochloric acid, and then with three portions of water. The organic layer was dried with sodium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure, yielding 10.8 grams of 2,3,5-trichlorophenylacetonitrile. The infrared spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Provenance & Evidence