Chloroacetonitrile → 3,4-Dimethoxyphenoxyacetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 3,4-dimethoxyphenol (5.0 g, 32.4 mmol) in dry acetone (160 ml), were added chloroacetonitrile (2.05 ml, 32.4 mmol) and anhydrous K2CO3 (6.72 g, 48.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 20 h under nitrogen. After cooling, the mixture was filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was combined with H2O, extracted with CH2Cl2, and the combined organic phases were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered and concentrated to give a crude oil. Flash chromatography (AcOEt/hexane: 3/7) gave the title product (4.5 g, 68%).

Provenance & Evidence