Methanol → Methyl 4-(oxiran-2-yl)butanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

10.0 g 4,5-dihydro-5-bromomethyl-(3H)-furanone are refluxed with 3.0 g sodium methylate in 37 ml methanol for 5 hours. The solvent is eliminated in vacuum and the residue is dissolved in 20 ml H2O and then extracted with ether. The ethereal phase is dried through a molecular sieve and the ether eliminated in vacuum. The residue is distilled at 20 mm. 6.4 g 4,5-epoxypentane carboxylic acid methyl ester (boiling point at 20 mm, 85° C.) is obtained.

Provenance & Evidence