2-Methylbenzenesulfonic acid → N-[(2-phthalimidoethoxy)methyl]acrylamide

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Approximately equimolar amounts of N-(2-hydroxyethyl phthalimide (about 5 molar percent excess) and dried IBMA were mixed together in a reaction flask with 0.5 weight percent toluene sulfonic acid, based on the weight of IBMA, and 200 ppm MEHQ added. The nearly dry blend was stirred and heated using an external oil bath. When the temperature reached 65° C., a rapid reaction ensued and the reaction mixture partially liquified. After a short period of time, the reaction rate (as evidenced by the isobutyl alcohol removal) almost stopped, and the reaction mixture solidified. The reaction mixture was then rapidly heated to about 120° C., and the reaction again proceeded vigorously, going to near quantitative yields in a few more minutes. The product was a clear, low viscosity liquid at 120° C. which solidified at about 65° C. to a waxy, opaque white solid which was found to be readily soluble in acrylonitrile. The product was the 2-hydroxyethyl phthalimide ether of N-(hydroxymethyl) acrylamide.

Provenance & Evidence