1-Octanol → Octyl 2-oxopropanoate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A toluene (1 L) solution of pyruvic acid (440 g, 5.0 mol), n-octanol (651 g, 5.0 mol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (2.5 g) was heated and refluxed for 16 hours while removing water under a nitrogen gas stream, thereby obtaining a first reaction solution. Next, the first reaction solution was cooled to room temperature (25° C.). Thereafter, toluene was removed under reduced pressure (40 mmHg) using an evaporator, and the residue was purified by reduced pressure distillation (2 mmHg, 82 to 92° C.), thereby obtaining octyl pyruvate (762 g, yield 76%).

Provenance & Evidence