Phenol → 4-t-Butylazo-4-phenoxypentyl alcohol

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 1.72 grams (0.026 moles) of 85% KOH in 20 mls. of methanol in a 100 ml. 3-necked round bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stirrer and thermometer was added 2.44 grams (0.026 moles) of phenol. The reaction was stirred for 15 minutes at 15° C and then 6.25 grams (0.025 moles) of the chloro compound prepared in step B was added dropwise over 20 minutes. The reaction was stirred an additional 30 minutes at room temperature. A sample was withdrawn and checked by infrared analysis which indicated the acetate was partially saponified to the alcohol. An additional 1.5 grams of KOH was added to the reaction mixture and the reaction stirred another 15 minutes. Infrared analysis indicated the saponification was complete so the reaction mixture was diluted with 200 mls. water and extracted with pentane. The pentane solution was washed with saturated NaHCO3 solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, filtered and the pentane evaporated to leave 5.2 grams (80% yield) of the desired alcohol.

Provenance & Evidence