Hydrochloric Acid → beta-Chlorocinnamoyl chloride

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 60 g (0.312 mol) ethyl benzoyl acetate in 96 ml (150 g) of phosphorous trichloride is added dropwise to 150 g (0.72 mol) of phosphorous pentachloride under nitrogen. The suspension that forms is cautiously brought to reflux temperature (HCl evolution observed) and is refluxed and stirred for 2-21/2 hrs. The solution that forms is stripped of phosphorous trichloride and phosphorous oxychloride at atmospheric pressure (76°-82° C.). The pot residue is distilled at 97°-108° C./0.75 mm to give 54 g (86% yield) of product as an isomeric mixture.

Provenance & Evidence