3-methoxy-2-(methoxymethyl)-1-phenylpropan-1-one

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: An 84 g sample of 91% pure 2-benzoyl-1,3-dimethoxy propane 1 was heated with 4.2 g (5 wt %) of p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) to 80° with stirring. After 5 hr. a second 4.2 g sample of p-TSA was added. A third p-TSA addition of 2 g was made after another 5 hr. This mixture was left stirring for 6.5 hrs longer and then cooled. The reaction mixture was diluted with ml of Et2O and 100 ml H2O added. This mixture was then neutralized to pH=6-7 with dilute Na2CO3 and the organic layer dried over MgSO4. Filtration and removal of the ether in vacuo left an orange liquid, 2, which was distilled at 0.1 mm and 76° C. Yield: 73%. Purity: 93%. was made after another 5 hr This mixture was left stirring for 6.5 hrs longer cooled added the organic layer dried over MgSO4 Filtration and removal of the ether in vacuo left an orange liquid, 2, which was distilled at 0.1 mm and 76° C