Propionic Acid → Ethyl (4E)-4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4-pentenoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-methyl-2-propen-1-ol (64.9 g, 0.4 mol) and triethyl orthoacetate (335 g, 2 mol) were heated in the presence of propionic acid (0.5 ml) in an oil bath at 150° C. (the ethanol formed during the reaction distills during this period) for 3 hours, then progressively to 200° C. (to distill off the excess orthoacetate). The product was then distilled under high vacuum (105° C./0.001 mbar) through a 20-cm Widmer column. 21.5 g of the desired product were obtained (94% purity, yield=24%).

Provenance & Evidence