Hydrochloric Acid → 5-(Chloromethyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde

Participants

Reaction Steps

The salicylaldehyde is convened to the 5-chloromethylbenzaldehyde by combining the aldehyde with aqueous formaldehyde (37%) and concentrated hydrochloric acid, at a reduced temperature in the range of -10° to +10° C. or thereabouts. Gaseous HCl is then bubbled through the solution to saturate with HCl after which the solution is stirred for a period sufficient to effect the reaction at a reduced temperature, one which is about that of the temperature at which the reactants were combined initially. The product, the 5-(chloromethyl)-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde, should be formed as a white precipitate which can be recovered by conventional means.

Provenance & Evidence