Water → 3-Oxo-2-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-propionitrile

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Reaction Steps

To a stirred mixture of sodium methoxide (2.78 g, 51 mmol) and ethyl formate (4.0 g, 54 mmol) in 100 mL of benzene was added 2,4,6 trimethylphenylacetonitrile (8.0 g, 50 mmol) over 5 min. After stirring for an additional hour it was treated with water (100 mL) and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was separated and acidified with 10% HCl and extracted with ethyl acetate. After drying the solvent was removed in vacuo to afford a-formyl-2,4,6-trimethylphenylacetonitrile as colorless crystals melting at 120-122° C.

Provenance & Evidence