Abstract
A new synthetic method for sulfisoxazole (VI), starting with methyl ethyl ketone (VII), was established and the present paper reports the course leading to the intermediate α-acetylpropionitrile (III). Chlorination of methyl ethyl ketone (VII) by the passage of chlorine gas through the hydrochloric acid solution of (VII) at a low temperature gives methyl α-chloroethyl ketone (VIII) in far smoother and faster rate than the existing method, with twice the reaction rate. Application of alkali cyanide to (VIII) affords α, β-dimethylglycidonitrile (IX) which undergoes conversion to α-acetylpropionitrile (III) on heating with alkali cyanides, carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, alkali earth hydroxides, or pyridine.
