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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

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Protocol for the Synthesis of Ortho-trifluoromethoxylated Aniline Derivatives
Published on: January 19, 2016
Ethyl 2-acetyl-3-(4-chloro-anilino)butanoate
Summary
This study details the molecular structure of a specific compound, C(14)H(18)ClNO(3). The research observed its extended conformation and hydrogen bonding in crystal form, providing insights into its chemical behavior.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Organic Chemistry
- Molecular Structure
Background:
- Understanding the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in organic molecules is crucial for predicting their chemical properties and interactions.
- Crystal structure analysis provides precise details about molecular conformation and intermolecular forces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the solid-state structure of the title compound, C(14)H(18)ClNO(3).
- To characterize the molecular conformation and hydrogen bonding patterns in the crystal lattice.
Main Methods:
- Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was employed to analyze the crystal structure.
- Analysis of bond lengths, bond angles, and torsion angles elucidated the molecular geometry.
Main Results:
- The title compound, C(14)H(18)ClNO(3), adopts an extended molecular conformation.
- All main chain torsion angles related to ester and amino groups were found to be in a trans configuration.
- Inversion dimers, stabilized by N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, were identified in the crystal structure.
Conclusions:
- The crystal packing is dominated by intermolecular hydrogen bonding, forming dimers.
- The observed conformation and hydrogen bonding provide fundamental structural data for this compound.
Related Concept Videos
Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Acid Halides, Esters, and Acid Anhydrides
Naming Acid Halides
The IUPAC and common names of acid halides are derived from the corresponding carboxylic acids, by changing “ic acid” to “yl halide.” For example, as shown below, the IUPAC name ethanoyl chloride is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetyl chloride, is obtained from acetic acid.
The IUPAC and common names of acid halides are derived from the corresponding carboxylic acids, by changing “ic acid” to “yl halide.” For example, as shown below, the IUPAC name ethanoyl chloride is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetyl chloride, is obtained from acetic acid.
Amines to Amides: Acylation of Amines
Various carboxylic acid derivatives (such as acid chlorides, esters, and anhydrides) can be used for the acylation of amines to yield amides. The reaction requires two equivalents of amines. The first amine molecule functions as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon to produce a tetrahedral intermediate. This is followed by the loss of the leaving group and restoration of the C=O bond.
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary amide...
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary amide...
Alkylation of β-Ketoester Enolates: Acetoacetic Ester Synthesis
Acetoacetic ester synthesis is a method to obtain ketones from alkyl halides and β-keto esters. The reaction occurs in the presence of an alkoxide base that abstracts the acidic proton of the β-keto esters. The step results in an enolate ion which is doubly stabilized. The enolate then reacts with an alkyl halide via the SN2 process to produce an alkylated ester intermediate with a new C–C bond. The hydrolysis of the intermediate, followed by acidification, results in an alkylated β-keto acid.
Preparation of Acid Anhydrides
One of the methods for preparing symmetrical or unsymmetrical acid anhydrides involves the treatment of acid chlorides with the sodium salt of carboxylic acids. The reaction proceeds via a nucleophilic acyl substitution.
The carboxylate ion acts as a nucleophile that attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. Subsequently, the re-formation of the carbonyl group with the loss of the chloride ion as a leaving group leads to the formation of an acid...
The carboxylate ion acts as a nucleophile that attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acid chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. Subsequently, the re-formation of the carbonyl group with the loss of the chloride ion as a leaving group leads to the formation of an acid...
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis
Malonic ester synthesis is a method to obtain α substituted carboxylic acids from ꞵ-diesters such as diethyl malonate and alkyl halides.
Acid Halides to Amides: Aminolysis
Aminolysis is a nucleophilic acyl substitution reaction, where ammonia or amines act as nucleophiles to give the substitution product. Acid halides react with ammonia, primary amines, and secondary amines to yield primary, secondary, and tertiary amides, respectively.
In the first step of the aminolysis mechanism, the amine attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acyl chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the second step, the carbonyl group is re-formed with the elimination of a chloride...
In the first step of the aminolysis mechanism, the amine attacks the carbonyl carbon of the acyl chloride to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the second step, the carbonyl group is re-formed with the elimination of a chloride...

