Chemical Properties
yellow viscous liquid
Chemical Properties
Benzyl acetoacetate has a sweet, floral, fresh, balsamic, fruity odor similar to that of ethyl acetate.
Occurrence
Reported found in litchi (Litchi sinensis Sonn.).
Uses
Benzyl acetoacetate (AAbenzyl) is chemical intermediate used for the syntheses of different organic chemicals Product Data Sheet
Uses
Benzyl acetoacetate is used as a Pharmaceutical and fine chemical intermediate.
Preparation
By heating ethyl acetoacetate and benzyl alcohol to 160°C.
Definition
ChEBI: Benzyl acetoacetate is a carboxylic ester. It is functionally related to a benzyl alcohol.
General Description
Benzyl acetoacetate undergoes asymmetric bioreduction to form benzyl (
S)-(+)-3-hydroxybutyrate in the presence of
Candida schatavii strain MY 1831.
Purification Methods
Fractionate the ester and collect fractions with the expected physical properties. Otherwise add ca 10% by weight of benzyl alcohol and heat in an oil bath (160-170o, open vessel) for 30minutes during which time excess of benzyl alcohol will have distilled off, then fractionate. [Baker et al. J Org Chem 17 77 1952, Beilstein 6 IV 2480.]
