Benzaldehyde → Benzoin
Reaction equation
O=Cc1ccccc1.O=Cc1ccccc1>[C-]#N.[Na+].CCO.O>O=C(c1ccccc1)C(O)c1ccccc1Participants
5
Reactant 1
Product 1
Reagents, catalysts & solvents 3
Conditions
- Time
- 30 min
- Other
- 95% ethanol and water; sodium cyanide; heated under reflux for 30 minutes.
Procedure
A mixture of 625 mL of 95% ethanol, 500 mL of water, 500 g (4.7 mol) of pure benzaldehyde, and 50 g of sodium cyanide was heated under reflux and kept boiling for 30 minutes.
Workup
The mixture was cooled, filtered with suction, and washed with water. The crude benzoin was recrystallized from 95% ethanol for purification.
Safety notes
Safety information is for reference only and does not replace the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS), applicable regulations, or professional assessment.
The source procedure uses sodium cyanide and states that hazardous chemicals require trained handling and a prior risk assessment.
Notes
The source reports 450–460 g dry crude benzoin (90–92% theoretical). Recrystallization afforded 83 g pure benzoin from 90 g crude material.
Sources & evidence
- Source note
- Adams, R.; Marvel, C. S. Benzoin. Organic Syntheses 1921, 1, 33; Coll. Vol. 1, 94 (1941).
- Source type
- Literature
- Original link
- View source
Reaction notes
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