Sodium Cyanide → 2-(4-Bromo-2-fluorophenyl)acetonitrile

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 4-bromo-1-bromomethyl-2-fluoro-benzene (100 g, 373 mmol) in DMF (190 mL) and water (10 mL) was added sodium cyanide (22 g, 448 mmol). The reaction was heated to 70 degrees Celsius for 3 hours, concentrated to a volume of 100 mL, and then the solution was diluted with 100 mL of ethyl acetate. After the solids were removed by filtration, water (250 mL) was added and the layers were separated. The organic layer was further washed with 3×100 mL of water. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, filtered to remove solids, and then concentrated. Purification by distillation gave the desired product (37.124 g, 46%). B.P.=72–75 degrees Celsius.

Provenance & Evidence