Exp 007

Objective
To convert adrenaline to a catechol aldehyde using acid catalysis. How this fits into the synthesis of anti-malarials is explained here.

Procedure
To a 50 mL round bottom flask was added adrenaline (54.2 mg, 0.23 mmol), acetic acid (25 mL), and 6M sulfuric acid (2 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 24 h.

Results
The solution turned yellow after 24 hours.

Discussion and Conclusion
Because the sample was accidentally discarded, students need to adhere to a better sample labeling and storage protocol.

Log
2006-04-04
1. Added adrenaline, acetic acid and 6M sulfuric acid to flask.
2. 14:45 Attached to a reflux condenser and began heating. Took out 1mL sample of starting reaction (sample 7a).
3. 14:56 Solution began refluxing. Reaction changed color from clear to yellow

2006-04-05

Allowed reaction to reflux for 24 hours. Solution turned dark; this may be a result of oxidation as the nitrogen tank emptied overnight.

15:00 Performed an extraction on the reaction on the reaction using methylene chloride [how much] and water [how much]. Added anhydrous magnesium sulfate to organic layer to get rid of any remaining water.