Methanol → 2-Methoxyisonicotinonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Under a stream of N2 and with cooling, Na metal (2.7 g) was added to MeOH (36 mL) with a considerable exotherm. After the Na is dissolved, a solution of 2-chloro-4-cyanopyridine (15 g) in dioxane:MeOH (1:1, 110 mL) was added via dropping funnel over a 10 min period. The reaction was heated to reflux for 3.5 h then cooled at ˜10° C. overnight. Solid was filtered off and the solid was washed with MeOH. The filtrate was concentrated to ˜60 mL and H2O (60 mL) was added to redissolve a precipitate. Upon further concentration, a precipitate formed which was washed with H2O. Further concentration produced additional solids. The solids were combined and dried in vacuo overnight at 35° C. to provide 4-cyano-2-methoxypyridine which was used as is.

Provenance & Evidence