Magnesium Chloride → Ibuprofenal

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 38.0 g (0.2 mole) of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)-1,2-epoxypropane in 130 ml of dichloromethane was added 2.67 g (0.028 mole) of anhydrous powdered (100 mesh, Tyler) magnesium chloride and 5.0 g (0.04 mole) of thionisole, and the mixture was refluxed with stirring for 3 hours. After cooling the reaction mixture, insoluble materials were filtered off and washed with small amount of dichloromethane and the washings were combined with the filtrate. The combined solution was washed with aqueous sodium chloride and subjected to distillation under atmospheric pressure to remove dichloromethane. The remaining residue was subjected to distillation under reduced pressure to obtain 36.8 g of 2-(4-isobutylphenyl)propionaldehyde distilled at 127°-129° C. (8 mmHg) as colorless oil. Yield; 96.8%, purity; above 99%.

Provenance & Evidence