Di:ethoxy-methane prodn. - by condensn. of formaldehyde with ethanol@ in presence of acid catalyst

摘要

Prodn. of diethoxymethane ("ethylal") comprises condensn. of HCHO (1 mol. paraformaldehyde) with EtOH (2.0-2.5 mol.) in the presence of an acidic catalyst (e.g. conc. H2SO4), in CH2Cl2 under reflux, continuously removing water azeotropically as it is formed; then fractional distillation to recover CH2Cl2 and then CH2 (OEt)2. USE/ADVANTAGE - The prod. is a valuable intermediate. The diethylformal is very pure and obtd. in good yields (e.g. 76%).