ETHYL CHLORIDE.107 Vol

In a flask equipped with a reflux condenser and a dropping funnel are placed 11 g. (0.28 mole) of powdered sodium amide and 100 g. of anhydrous ether. To this is added dropwise 30 g. (0.26 mole) of benzyl cyanide Org. Syntheses Coll. Vol. 1, 107 (1941)]. The reaction is exothermic. After completion of the addition, the mixture is heated to reflux on a water bath for 15 minutes, after which 39 g. (0.25 mole) of ethyl iodide is added dropwise. The mixture is then heated another 15 minutes on the water bath. Water is added, and the ether layer is separated, washed with water, dried over calcium chloride, and distilled. The yield of -phenylbutyronitrile boiling at 114-115°/15 mm. is in the range 70-80%. The product boils at 238-2407765 mm. 

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