Formaldehyde → 4397-13-1

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A 38% solution of formaldehyde (32.0 grams, 0.4 mol) was added to a stirred solution of 2,4-dimethylphenol (36.6 grams, 0.3 mol) in water (100 ml) containing sodium hydroxide (14 gr., 0.35 mol) and heated at 50° C. for 4 to 5 hours. The reaction was cooled and solid sodium hydroxide added to precipitate the salt of the product. The solid was removed by filtration and dissolved in water. This solution was neutralized with carbon dioxide (dry ice) and the resulting mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was removed, dried, and evaporated to yield a light brown solid. This solid was washed in hexane containing a small amount of toluene to afford a tan solid. The NMR1 and FD/MS2 data support the structure.

Provenance & Evidence