The following is hypothetical and hasn't been tested for its validity. SWiM would like to discuss if the following dream is achievable, or just a pile of crap.
Some of the bees might be familiar with the Gattermann reaction. One of its best know applications is the synthesis of asarone via formylation of trimethoxybenzene. The formylation occurs by adding HCN and AlCl3 to the trimethoxybenzene.
Here we notice the use of HCN. SWiM doesn't like HCN since it is a little bit too toxic to handle. An alternative might be the
in situ formation of HCN. SWiM's idea is based on something he found in the Hive section of our Russian collegues (
http://www.zone.ee/dushist/r&misl/rimisl2t.djvu
. SWiM doesn't understand a thing of all those funny characters (although he finally managed to learn how to pronounce them), but he can watch @ the nice figures. On page 94 of that document, there is something about the formation of HCN by a reaction between KCN and MgSO4. Now we still have to deal with KCN (isn't this used to execute the death penalty in some US states?), but in its crystal form, it is safer to handle (but don't be so stupid to check how it smells off course....).
In the Gattermann reaction, HCN may be formed by:
2 KCN + MgSO4 -> K2SO4 + Mg(CN)2
Mg(CN)2 + H2O -> Mg(OH)CN + HCN
Mg(OH)CN + H2O + MgSO4 -> (MgOH)2SO4 + HCN
(taken from above mentioned text)
So, what do the other bees think? Might it be achievable in this particular synthesis, or should SWiM stop his stupid dreams? There are some things that should be considered, viz. the addition of H2O and the use of MgSO4. I can see the later being a disturbing element when adding AlCl3.
Ideas?
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