The Production of Intermediates in the Manufacture of Atebrin

Abstract

During World War II methods of preparation, suitable for Australian conditions, of the necessary intermediates for the production of the antimalarial drug, atebrin, were investigated. Suitable methods for the preparation of 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and p-nitroanisole have been developed. 2,4-Dichlorobenzoic acid is prepared from p-toluenesulphonyl chloride by chlorination to 2,4-dichlorobenzotrichloride (via 2-chloro-p-toluenesulphonyl chloride) and hydrolysis of this compound. p-Nitroanisole is prepared from p-chloronitrobenzene by the action of methanolic potash, good yields of a pure product being obtained in a shorter time than in methods previously described. A new synthesis of 5-diethylamino-2-aminopentane was commenced.