4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde → Acetic acid, 2-(4-formylphenoxy)-

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a solution of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (49 g, 0.40 mol) were added iodoacetic acid (75 g, 0.40 mol) and potassium carbonate (anhydrous, 120 g), and the magnetically stirred mixture was warmed at 60° C. for three days. The resulting solid was dispersed mechanically in a mixture of ethyl acetate (400 ml) and water. The mixture was neutralized cautiously with phosphoric acid. After the dissolution of the solid mass, the neutral aqueous layer was withdrawn. The organic layer was extracted repeatedly with a concentrated solution of dibasic sodium phosphate, to remove additional acidic organic material. The aqueous extracts were combined, filtered through glass wool, and acidified to pH 1 using 6N HCl. This solution was placed in the refrigerator overnight, and a product of tan crystals (21.85 g) was collected. Unreacted p-hydroxybenzaldehyde was recovered upon evaporation of the organic layer. Yield based on recovery of starting material was 60%. Mp 191°-193° C. Analysis (C9H8O4): calc. 60.00% C, 4.48% H; found 59.66% C, 4.37% H.

Provenance & Evidence