Water → 2-(4-Methoxyphenyl)propanenitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

A stirred solution of α-cyano-β(4-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (127.3 g) in DMF (280 ml) is heated to 150° C. for 5 hours. The reaction mixture is cooled, poured into a liter of water and extracted with ether. The ether extract is washed, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo yielding a liquid which upon distillation yields the decarboxylated product as a clear liquid, B.P. 115° C. (1 mm).

Provenance & Evidence