2. Notes

Fuming nitric acid may be used in nitrating benzyl cyanide,
but the method here described is cheaper.

The yield of 70 g. is obtained from benzyl cyanide, which boils
over a 5'0 range prepared as described in preparation III
(p. 9). Very pure benzyl cyanide will give a slightly higher yield,
while commercial grades may give only 50 g. of _p_-nitrobenzyl
cyanide and much oil.

The reaction has been also carried out with 500 g.
of benzyl cyanide. Under these conditions a 5-l. flask was used,
and it required two and a half hours to add the benzyl cyanide.
The yield of product was 325 to 370 g.


3. Other Methods of Preparation

Nitrobenzyl cyanide has hitherto been prepared by the action
of fuming nitric acid[1] on benzyl cyanide.

[1] Ber. 17, 505 (1884); 33, 170 (1900); J. Biol. Chem. 39, 585
(1919); J. Am. Chem. Soc. 43, 180 (1921).



XV

_p_-NITROPHENYLACETIC ACID