THE ACTION OF ZINC ON α,β-DIBROMOPROPIONYL HALIDES

Abstract

A vigorous reaction occurs between zinc filings and a solution of α,β-dibromopropionyl bromide in absolute ether. The principal organic products of the reaction are ethyl acrylate and ethyl bromide. Suggested steps in the reaction are described. The α,β-dibromopropionic acid from which the acid halides were made was obtained by oxidation of β,γ-dibromopropyl alcohol. Treatment of β-bromopropionic acid in the Hell–Volhard–Zelinsky reaction failed to accomplish bromination in the α-position, only β-bromopropionyl bromide being isolated.