Acetic Anhydride → Methyl (R)-2-(4-acetylphenoxy)propionate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 36 g (0.2 mol) of methyl (R)-2-phenoxypropionate (enantiomeric excess 94-95%), 81.6 g (0.8 mol) of acetic anhydride, 6.5 g (0.04 mol) of iron(III) chloride and 100 ml of ethyl acetate was heated at 70°-75° C. for 6 hours. The diluent and excess acetic anhydride were then removed under reduced pressure, after which the crude product was subjected to vacuum distillation. Yield: 80% (94-95% enantiomeric excess).

Provenance & Evidence