2-Benzylidenebutanoic acid → 2-Benzylbutanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 35.2 gm (0.2 mol) of α-ethyl cinnamic acid in 450 ml of 3% sodium hydroxide was reduced in a hydrogen atmosphere at 60 psi using 4 gm of 5% palladium on charcoal. After hydrogen uptake had ceased, the reaction mixture was filtered, acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether. Evaporation gave 36 gm (0.2 mol) of 2-benzyl butanoic acid.

Provenance & Evidence