Benzyl Alcohol → Benzyl caprate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 1.722 g. (0.01 mole) of decanoic acid and 1.5 ml triethylamine in 25 ml water was prepared by warming on a water bath. The solution was rapidly cooled in an ice-salt bath while stirring. After the temperature of about -2° C. was reached, 1.0 ml. ethyl chloroformate was slowly added along with about 2 g. of crushed ice. Stirring was continuted for an additional hour (internal temperature was maintained) between 0 and -2° C.). Finally 1.5 ml. benzyl alcohol was added. Stirring of the reaction mixture was continued for 1/2 hour on a 60° water bath. After cooling, the ester was extracted twice by 30 ml ether, washed with sodium, bicarbonate solution then with water. After drying and evaporation of the solvent, the ester was distilled under reduced pressure to give 2.574 g. (99% yield) of benzyldecanoate. B.P. 208-210/15 mm. Anal. Calcd. for C17H26O2 :c, 77.82; H, 9.98. Found: C, 77.69; H, 10.03.

Provenance & Evidence