Honors Cup Synthetic Proposal Section: 216H.221, Group C Group Members: Frank Bartley, Phillip Lombard, Joe Pawlowski, Thomas Antoni Peter Title: Three-step synthesis of trans-cinnamaldehyde from cinnamic acid Introduction Trans-cinnamaldehyde is the molecule that is responsible for cinnamon’s characteristic taste and smell. It is found in the bark of cinnamon trees. Typical cinnamon-scented products contain only a few tenths of a percent of this very strong compound. Cinnamaldehyde is also used as an agricultural fungicide. Overall Synthetic Reaction Scheme OHOClOOHOHHKMnO4 - Kieselguhr20 min, 65-70° C1: NaBH4 (3 eq.)dropwise additionof methanol1 hour, RT2: 1N HClSOCl2Solvent: THF2 hours, reflux Figure 1: Overview of three-step trans-cinnamaldehyde synthesisSynthetic Transformation I OHOClOSOCl22 hours, reflux Figure 2: Transformation I Experimental I The first step of this synthesis involves the transformation of cinnamic acid to its acyl chloride form, cinnamyl chloride. This well-known reaction1,2 is performed by heating cinnamic acid (2 g, 13.50 mmol) and freshly distilled thionyl chloride (2.29 mL, 31.5 mmol) under reflux and stirring for two hours. The excess thionyl chloride is then distilled off. Yields range from 58 to 87%1. Even in the case of 58% yield, enough product will be formed to reach our target goal of 0.5 g of trans-cinnamaldehyde. Yields for the remainder of this proposal will reflect the maximum 87% yield. Expected yield: 87%, 1.79 g Safety, Disposal and Green Issues of Transformation I Cinnamic acid is an eye, respiratory, and skin irritant and should be handled under a fume hood. In case of eye contact, wash with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice. Be sure to wear suitable clothing when handling cinnamic acid. In case of swallowing, wash mouth out with water if person is conscious and call a physician. If cinnamic acid comes in contact with skin, wash with soap for at least 15 minutes. If inhaled, remove person to fresh air and give artificial respiration in case the person stops breathing. In case of ignition, use carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, or appropriate foam. Cinnamic acid emits toxic fumes under fire conditions and appropriate breathing apparatus and clothing should be worn during fire fighting. Cinnamic acid should be disposed of by mixing with a combustible solvent. Solution should then be burned in a chemical incinerator with afterburner and scrubber. Thionyl chloride is corrosive and reacts vigorously with water. Contact with water also releases toxic gas. Contact of this gas with metal surfaces can form explosive hydrogen gas. Thionyl chloride is harmful if inhaled and if swallowed. Skin contact can also produce severe burns, and this compound also has an unpleasant odor. In case of skin or eye contact, inhalation, or ignition, follow instructions given for cinnamic acid. The same applies for ingestion, and by no means induce vomiting. Thionyl chloride may decompose into harmful carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen chloride gasses over extended periods of time. Disposal instructions for thionyl chloride are the same as cinnamon acid disposal (above). Cinnamyl chloride is highly toxic and may cause sensitization and/or burns on skin contact. In case or ingestion, skin or eye contact, or ignition, follow instructions given for cinnamic acid. Excessive inhalation of cinnamyl chloride causes respiratory depression and can be fatal.Disposal instructions for cinnamyl chloride are the same as cinnamon acid and thionyl chloride disposal (above).Synthetic Transformation II ClOHOH1: NaBH4 (3 eq.)dropwise additionof methanol 1 hour, RT 2: 1N HClTHF Figure 3: Transformation II Experimental II Cinnamyl chloride is reduced to its corresponding alcohol (cinnamyl alcohol) in exceptional yield3. The resulting 1.79 g (11.73 mmol) of cinnamyl chloride from transformation I is added to 60 mL of dry tetrahydrofuran, followed by adding sodium borohydride (1.32 g, 35 mmol) in a round- bottomed flask. Methanol (4.5 mL) is then added dropwise via an addition funnel to the solution for an hour at room temperature. Next, 1N hydrochloric acid (3.0 mL) is added and the solution is stirred for 10 minutes. The methanol and THF is then evaporated. Ether is used to extract the reaction mixture, and is subsequently washed with water and brine. Magnesium sulfate is then used to dry the ether layer. Finally, the solvent is evaporated at a reduced pressure (i.e. rotary evaporation). Expected yield: 95%, 1.50 g Safety, Disposal and Green Issues of Transformation II Tetrahydrofuran is flammable and may form explosive peroxides. It is a possible carcinogen that targets the central nervous system as well as the liver. THF is harmful is swallowed and is a skin, respiratory, and eye irritant. In case of ingestion, eye or skin contact, or inhalation, follow the instructions that were given for cinnamic acid, thionyl chloride, or cinnamyl chloride. For small fires, use “alcohol” foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide. In case of a large fire, use large quantities of water in mist or spray form, as streaming water may be ineffective. Refer to explanation given in cinnamic acid description for firefighting gear that should be worn. Use the same disposal instructions already given when dealing with THF. Sodium borohydride is a flammable and toxic solid that causes burns on skin contact. Contact of sodium borohydride with water forms extremely flammable gasses. Typical (see above) procedure should be executed in case of ingestion or inhalation. In case of ignition, do not use water, foam, or carbon dioxide, but rather dry chemical powder. Typical firefighting gear applies. Sodium borohydride can decompose over time to produce harmful borane/boron oxides, sodium oxide, and hydrogen gas. Use care when disposing of this compound, as environmental exposure causes a pH shift which can be harmful to aquatic life. Contact a licensed professional for disposal of sodium borohydride. Anhydrous methanol is very toxic and can cause serious, irreversible effects in case of ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Ingestion could lead to blindness or death. Typical procedureapplies in case of ingestion, inhalation, and skin or eye contact. In case of fire, use water spray, carbon dioxide, chemical powder, or appropriate foam. Use standard firefighting gear. To
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