Conversion to ethers

Ethoxylation grade (the higher the ethoxylation grade the higher the conversion to ether carboxylate)... 

With 13C-NMR it is possible to estimate the propoxylation and ethoxylation degree and to get an idea about the conversion to ether carboxylate. 

Anionicallv Activated Alumina. At this time we had also developed an interest in anionically activated alumina. These basic reagents were active in promoting alkylation(42), condensation(43) and hydrolysis(44) reactions. Thus, we impregnated alumina with sodium hydroxide and used this combination both with and without a phase transfer catalyst (benzyltriethyl ammonium chloride). When BTEAC was added, the conversion to ether was decreased and the formation of ester was noted. In the absence of a phase transfer catalyst, the ether became a minor product and methyl phenylacetate became the major product with coproduction of phenylacetic acid. This ester does not result from esterification of the acid as simple stirring of phenylacetic acid with Na0H/A1203 in methanol does not produce methyl phenylacetate. 

Most butynediol produced is consumed in the manufacture of butane-diol and butenediol. Butynediol is also used for conversion to ethers with ethylene oxide and in the manufacture of brominated derivatives that are useful as flame retardants. Butynediol was formerly used in a wild oat herbicide, Carbyne (Barban), 4-chloro-2-butynyl-A-(3-chlorophenyl)carba-mate (CnH9Cl2N02). 

The typical reactions of the alcohol group include their conversion to ethers and esters by reaction with alkyl halides and with acid chlorides or anhydrides, respectively (Scheme 6.2). The benzyl ether group is readily cleaved by hydrogenolysis and is often used as a protecting group for alcohols. Primary alcohols are oxidized initially to the aldehyde and then to the carboxylic acid. 

The most widespread method of identification of alcohols by their conversion to ethers consists in using the reaction of alcohols with trityl chloride, with the formation of trityl ethers ... 

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