Benzoic Acid → 3-(Benzoyloxy)-2,4-pentanedione

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A flask was charged with powdered potassium hydroxide (21.89 g, 390.2 mmol), benzoic acid (47.65 g, 390.2 mmol), and DMF (500 mL) was added. The mixture was heated at 50° C. for 1 hour. 3-Chloropentane-2,4-dione (52.5 g, 390.2 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at 50° C. overnight. The reaction was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted in water (1.5 L) and extracted with ether (3×500 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with water, saturated NH4Cl and brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated in vacuo to afford 2,4-dioxopentan-3-yl benzoate (82.59 g, 96.12% yield) as a yellow oil.

Provenance & Evidence