An ethanolic solution of sodium ethoxide is prepared in a 1-l. round-bottomed flask from 15.5 g. (0.67 gram atom) of sodium and 300 ml. of absolute ethanol (Note 1). One hundred thirty-three grams (0.64 mole) of phenylmethylglycidic ester (p. 727) is added to this solution slowly and with shaking. The flask is then cooled externally to 15°, and 15 ml. of water is slowly added; considerable heat is evolved, and the sodium salt soon begins to separate. After the mixture has stood overnight, the salt is filtered by suction and rinsed with one 50-ml. portion of ethanol and a similar amount of ether. The dried salt weighs 102–108 g. (80–85%) and melts at 255–256° with decomposition.

The salt is added to a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid prepared by mixing 300 ml. of water and 56 ml. of concentrated acid (sp. gr. 1.18); the acid should be contained in a 1-l. flask under a reflux condenser. The mixture is warmed gently, whereupon carbon dioxide is evolved and an oil separates. The flask is heated on a steam bath for 1.5 hours, and the oil is then extracted from the cooled mixture with 150 ml. of benzene. The extract is washed once with 200 ml. of water and distilled under reduced pressure, using an ordinary 500-ml. Claisen flask. The hydratropaldehyde distils at 90–93°/10 mm. or 73–76°/4 mm. (oil bath at 120–130°), leaving only a slight residue (3–5 g.). The yield is 56–60 g. (65–70%) (Note 2) and (Note 3).