Hydrochloric Acid → 3,3-Dimethyl-5-oxopentanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 1.50 g (8.71 mmol) of ethyl 3,3-dimethyl-5oxopentanoate in 50 mL of methanol and 1 mL of water was added 1.0 g (17.8 mmol) of potassium hydroxide. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 411/2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and then made acidic by the addition of aqueous hydrochloric acid. The resulting solution was extracted with methylene chloride repeatedly. The combined organic layer was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium chloride and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Removal of the solvent afforded 1.05 g of 3,3-dimethyl-5-oxopentanoic acid, 84% crude yield. The nmr spectrum was consistent with the proposed structure.

Provenance & Evidence