Formic Acid → 3-Chloro-4-methylbenzaldehyde

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 3-chloro-4-methylbenzonitrile (4.0 g, 26.39 mmol), formic acid (72 ml, 75% v/v) and nickel aluminum alloy (50/50, 4.8 g) was stirred and heated under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then filtered hot through Hyflo, and the residue was washed well with hot ethanol. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to yield a sticky solid. Distillation of this solid afforded 3-chloro-4-methylbenzaldehyde as a colourless oil, b.p. 73°-74°/0.8 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence