Tetrahydrofuran → 2-Carbomethoxy-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexanone

Participants

Reaction Steps

A reaction mixture consisting of 34.97 gm. (0.108 mole) dimethyl ester of 4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanopimelic acid, (prepared in Part A, above), dissolved in 700 ml. tetrahydrofuran with 24.4 gm. (0.218 mole) potassium tert-butoxide added is heated at the reflux temperature for 41/2 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is chilled in an ice-bath and 175 ml. 2.5 N acetic acid is added. The organic and aqueous phases separate and the organic phase is recovered. It is diluted with 600 ml. benzene before being washed successively with aqueous sodium bicarbonate, water, and brine. The organic solvents are then removed by distillation under reduced pressure. There is thus obtained 30.2 gm (96% yield) of 2-carbomethoxy-4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanocyclohexanone having a melting point at 139° to 143° C.

Provenance & Evidence