N-Butyl magnesium chloride

This section describes the preparation of a prototypical Grignard reagent, n-butyl-magnesium chloride. The removal of O2 and H2O from the reaction flask setup, solvent, RX, and Mg is essential. Therefore, all operations were performed under a dry nitrogen or argon atmosphere, using a standard Schlenk line or dry box techniques [5]. 

Syntheses of naturally occurring (-f)-blastmycinone (280) and its C-3 and C-4 stereoisomers have been reported. The C-butyl branch was introduced by reaction of methyl 2,3-anhydro-4,6-0-benzylidene-a-D-mannopyranoside with n-butyl magnesium chloride to give methyl 4,6-6>-benzylidene-3-C-butyl-3-deoxy-a-D-altropyranoside, which was degraded and transformed into the i. arabino isomer (280) (see Vol. 9, p. 204). 

Alternatively, use the equivalent amount of n-butyl chloride and prepare the Grignard reagent as for sec.-butyl magnesium chloride. 

Prepare a solution of benzyl magnesium chloride in a 2-litre three-necked flask from 24-3 g. of magnesium turnings, 600 ml. of sodium-dried ether and 126-5 g. (115 ml.) of redistilled benzyl chloride follow the experimental details given under n-Propylbenzene (Section IV,7). Cool the flask in running water or in ice water. Place a solution of 456 g. of n-butyl-p-toluenesulphonate (Section IV,198) in about twice its volume of anhydrous ether in the dropping funnel, and add it slowly with stirring, at such a rate that the ether just boils a white solid soon forms. The addition is complete after about 2 hours. Pour the reaction product... 

This product is sufficiently pure for the preparation of phenylacetic acid and its ethyl ester, but it contains some benzyl tso-cyanide and usually develops an appreciable colour on standing. The following procedure removes the iso-cyanide and gives a stable water-white compound. Shake the once-distilled benzyl cyanide vigorously for 5 minutes with an equal volume of warm (60°) 60 per cent, sulphuric acid (prepared by adding 55 ml. of concentrated sulphuric acid to 100 ml. of water). Separate the benzyl cyanide, wash it with an equal volume of sa+urated sodium bicarbonate solution and then with an equal volume of half-saturated sodium chloride solution- Dry with anhydrous magnesium sulphate and distil under reduced pressure. The loss in washing is very small (compare n-Butyl Cyanide, Section 111,113, in which concentrated hydrochloric acid is employed). 

Methyl p-toluenesulphonate. This, and other alkyl esters, may be prepared in a somewhat similar manner to the n-butyl ester with good results. Use 500 g. (632 ml.) of methyl alcohol contained in a 1 litre three-necked or bolt-head flask. Add 500 g. of powdered pure p-toluene-sulphonyl chloride with mechanical stirring. Add from a separatory funnel 420 g. of 25 per cent, sodium hydroxide solution drop by drop maintain the temperature of the mixture at 23-27°. When all the alkali has been introduced, test the mixture with litmus if it is not alkaline, add more alkali until the mixture is neutral. Allow to stand for several hours the lower layer is the eater and the upper one consists of alcohol. Separate the ester, wash it with water, then with 4 per cent, sodium carbonate solution and finally with water. Dry over a little anhydrous magnesium sulphate, and distil under reduced pressure. Collect the methyl p-toluenesulphonate at 161°/10 mm. this solidifies on cooling and melts at 28°. The yield is 440 g. 

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