One-pot Synthesis of Methyl p-Chlorocinnamate

Methyl p-chlorocinnamate was synthesized from p-chlorobenzaldehyde and diethyl malonate under catalysis of glycine in methanol.The effects of molar ratio of reactants,dosage of catalyst,reaction time and dosage of solvent on the reaction were investigated.The optimal reaction conditions include n(diethyl malomate)∶n(p-chlorobenzaldehyde)=1.4∶1,n(glycine)∶n(p-chlorobenzaldehyde)= 0.35∶1,and reaction time 8 h.The yield of methyl p-chlorocinnamate was up to 87.3% with 99.2% purity.This method is simple,safe,environmental friendly and suitable for industrial production.