Mexiletine → Mexiletine acetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

In Step 1, 2-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-1-methyl-ethylamine (mexiletine) is converted to mexiletine acetamide. Mexiletine is treated with an acetylating agent, such as an acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride, in the presence of concentrated aqueous alkali and an organic solvent, e.g., ethyl acetate. The reaction temperature is maintained at about 0°-25° C., preferably below 10° C., for about 10 minutes to 3 hours, preferably about 35 minutes. Following completion of the reaction, the resulting N-[2-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-1-methylethyl]-acetamide is isolated by conventional techniques, and used as such in Step 2.

Provenance & Evidence