Tetrahydrofuran → Methyl 5-cyano-2-oxo-5-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Following the procedure of Preparation I, Part b, but substituting 2.0 gm. (0.0069 mole) of the dimethyl ester of 4-cyano-4-phenylpimelic acid (prepared in Part a, above) for the 34.97 gm. of the dimethyl ester of 4-(p-chlorophenyl)-4-cyanopimelic acid and using 45 ml. of the tetrahydrofuran, 1.57 gm. (0.014 mole) of the potassium tert-butoxide, and 10 ml. of the 2.5 N acetic acid instead of the 700 ml., the 24.4 gm., and the 175 ml., respectively, there is obtained a residue which upon recrystallization from technical hexane gives 1.07 gm. (60% yield) of the desired 2-carbomethoxy-4-cyano-4-phenylcyclohexanone having a melting point at 79.5° to 81.5° C.

Provenance & Evidence