Hydrochloric Acid → 1-(2-Methoxy-5-nitrophenyl)ethanone

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Anhydrous magnesium chloride (150 mg, 1.6 mmol) was added to a solution of diethyl malonate (440 mg, 2.76 mmol) and triethylamine (670 mg, 6.5 mmol) in dry toluene (10 ml) at room temperature under inert atmosphere. After stirring for 1 hr, the reaction was cooled to 0° C. and 2-methoxy-5-nitro benzoyl chloride (550 mg, 2.3 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to attain room temperature then stirred for 30 min before adding 6N hydrochloric acid (15 ml). The organic layer was separated, washed with water and dried. Concentration under reduced pressure gave a residue to which was added 1:1 DMSO-water (10 ml). The mixture was heated to 140° C. for 2 hr, then cooled to RT and diluted with ethyl acetate (50 ml). The organic layer was washed successively with water, bicarbonate solution, and brine, then dried. Evaporation under reduced pressure gave 1-(2-Methoxy-5-nitro-phenyl)-ethanone (350 mg, 70%) as a solid.

Provenance & Evidence