Intramolecular Tischenko Reaction To Give Phthalides
The Tischenko reaction is a dimerisation of aldehydes in the presence of base to give esters, and often works well with solid bases. A recent report (Seki T et al, Chem Commun, 2001, 2510) shows how the reaction occurs intramolecularly to convert phthalaldehyde to phthalides. The catalyst is prepared by thermal treatment of Ca(OH)2 at 600oC.
