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Solvent-Free Conversion of alpha-Naphthaldehyde to 1-Naphthoic Acid and 1-Naphthalenemethanol: Application of the Cannizzaro Reaction
Journal of Chemical Education (2004)
  • John J. Esteb, Butler University
  • Keith M. Gligorich
  • Stacy A. O'Reilly
  • Jeremy M. Richter
Abstract

The Cannizzaro reaction is routinely covered in organic textbooks, but owing to the shortage of suitable procedures for the undergraduate teaching laboratory, this reaction is seldom performed in a first-year organic chemistry class. In this experiment, powdered potassium hydroxide and α-naphthaldehyde are heated under solvent-free conditions to produce 1-naphthoic acid and 1-naphthalenemethanol in 86% and 79% yields, respectively. The solvent-free nature of this procedure greatly reduces the quantity of waste generated by students relative to the typical solvent-based method of preparation. Note:Link is to the article in a subscription database available to users affiliated with Butler University. Appropriate login information will be required for access. Users not affiliated with Butler University should contact their local librarian for assistance in locating a copy of this article.

Disciplines
Publication Date
2004
Citation Information
John J. Esteb, Keith M. Gligorich, Stacy A. O'Reilly and Jeremy M. Richter. "Solvent-Free Conversion of alpha-Naphthaldehyde to 1-Naphthoic Acid and 1-Naphthalenemethanol: Application of the Cannizzaro Reaction" Journal of Chemical Education Vol. 81 Iss. 12 (2004)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/john_esteb/7/