2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol → 2-(2,2,2-Trifluoroethoxy)acetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

At about 50° C., 26.4 g (0.40 mole) of 85% potassium hydroxide are solubilized in 100 g (1.0 mole) of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. After cooling at 25° C., 37.8 g (0.50 mole) of chloroacetonitrile are added dropwise to this solution. The temperature rises slowly to 40° C. and a precipitate appears. The reaction mixture is then brought gradually to 60° C.; after the addition of 300 ml of heptane, it is then brought to reflux. The whole of the vapour is condensed by means of a Dean and Stark apparatus. The lower phase of the condensate is separated after settling has taken place and distilled at atmospheric pressure. Yld: 19.6 g (28%), b.p. 125°-140° C.

Provenance & Evidence