Hydrochloric Acid → 4-Chloro-2-carboxyphenylacetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 6-chlorophthalide (2.0 g) and potassium cyanide (2.0 g) was stirred at a temperature of 180° C. for a period of 4 hours. The solid was cooled, dissolved in water and the solution was acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The dark brown solid was collected, washed with water and dried. The crude solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate, the solution was treated with charcoal, filtered, and the solvent was evaporated to give 4-chloro-2-carboxyphenylacetonitrile (1.70 g) as pale yellow crystals mp 120° C.

Provenance & Evidence