Triethyl orthoacetate

Description

Triethyl orthoacetate is the ethyl orthoester of acetic acid. It is an oily liquid with a pungent odor. Triethyl orthoacetate is used as a water scavenger and as intermediate for synthesis of pharmaceuticals. It is used in organic synthesis for the introduction of the acetate group to an alcohol and in the Johnson-Claisen rearrangement.

Reference

• J. S. Lindsey, I. C. Schreiman, H. C. Hsu, P. C. Kearney, A. M. Marguerettaz, Rothemund and Adler-Longo reactions revisited: synthesis of tetraphenylporphyrins under equilibrium conditions, The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1987, vol. 52, pp. 827-836
• R. C. Capozza, Polymeric orthoesters housing beneficial drug for controlled release therefrom, Patent US4066747A

Chemical Properties

clear colourless liquid

Uses

Intermediate.

Uses

Triethyl orthoacetate is used as pharmaceutical and water scavenger. It is also used in organic synthesis to introduce the acetate group into an alcohol. It is involved in the Johnson-Claisen rearrangement.

Hazard

Moderate fire risk.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable