Dimethylformamide → 3-Chloro-2-(2,4-dimethylphenoxy)-1,4-dimethyl-5-nitrobenzene

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Reaction Steps

Into a round bottom reaction flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer, condenser, thermometer and nitrogen inlet was added 50.0 grams (0.23 mol) of 2,5-dimethyl-3,4-dichloronitrobenzene, 38.5 grams (0.32 mol) of 2,4-dimethylphenol, 50 grams (0.36 mol) of potassium carbonate and 125 milliliters of dimethylformamide. The reaction mixture was heated to a temperature of 90° C.-100° C. and maintained at this temperature for a period of 72 hours. The reaction mixture was then cooled, filtered and concentrated to give a dark oil. The dark oil was partitioned between toluene (300 milliliters) and 4% sodium hydroxide (250 milliliters) and then separated. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give a dark oil. The dark oil was trituated with hexane and a solid was formed. The solid was washed with cold hexane and vacuum dried to give 47.8 grams (0.16 mol) of 4-(2,4-dimethylphenoxy)-2,5-dimethyl-3-chloronitrobenzene as a tan powder having a melting point of 78° C.-80° C. Elemental analysis of the tan powder indicated the following:

Provenance & Evidence