A Process for the Preparation of Acetyl and Lactyl Derivatives of Aniline and Phenetidine.
Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application; 17th Dec., 1896-Accepted, 23rd Jan., 1897
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A Process for the Preparation of Acetyl and Lactyl Derivatives of
Aniline and Phenetidine.
I, Dr. LEONHARD LEDERER of 764 Gabelsbergerstrasse, Munich, in the
German Empire, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed to be particularly described and ascertained
in and by the following statement:-
Whereas the formic salts of aniline and its substitution-products, even at the
ordinary temperature, become converted into formy! compounds, the preparation
of anilides from acids rich in carbon necessitates an energetic intervention in the
process of reaction.
The methods generally adopted in preparing these compounds consist in bringing
about a reciprocal action between aromatic amines and anhydrides, chlorides,
ether-derivatives from acids or acid amides.
Now I have devise: a novel process for the preparation of acetyl and lactyl
derivatives from aniline and phenetidine (ethoxyaniline) and the main feature of
such process is that instead of requiring the employment of anhydrides, chlorides,
acid ether-derivatives or acid amides, all of which are procurable only at a
considerable cost, it enables cheap and readily obtainable materials to be used.
The process consists in heating acetates or lactates together with either sulphates
or chlorides of aniline or phenetidine. Unlike any of the methods which have been
known hitherto, for the successful performance of which it was absolutely necessary
that the substances used should be perfectly dry, this process may be carried out
without the presence of moisture forming an obstacle likely to impede its progress.
Thus no harm will result from the water of crystallization in lactate of lime,
which water represents as much as 20 per cent. of its weight.
The improved process is theoretically perfect and admits of the rational
utilization of the residual products. It will therefore be understood that, owing
to this fact, as well as to the circumstances that the separation and purification of
the acids and their chlorides, anhydrides and ether and amide derivatives are
unnecessary, this invention is of paramount importance to the manufacturing
industry.
DESCRIPTION OF PROCESS.
(1) One part of sulphate of aniline and one-and-a-half parts of acetate of lime
are heated to from 130 to 140° Centigrade, in a closed receiver or chamber for a
period of about 8 hours. After adding a small amount of water to the mass, the
residue is collected in a filter and freed from acetanilide by boiling in water or
alcohol.
(2) One part of sulphate of phenetidine and one-and-a-half parts of acetate of
lime are heated under pressure to from 130 to 140° Centigrade for a period of from
8 to 10 hours. A little water is added to the mixture after it has been allowed
to cool, and acetyl-phenetidine is dissolved by boiling in water or alcohol.
As a result of the cooling process, the acetyl compound separates in crystals.
(3) One part of sulphate of phenetidine and one part of lactate of lime are-
as in the operation No. 2-induced to exchange their radicals and then the
products of the reaction are acted upon as béfore.

page_text: (4) A mixture of an equal number of parts of sulphate of phenetidine and
lactate of time is heated on an oil bath to from 130 to 140° Centigrade for from
8 to 10 hours. After cooling and washing with water, the lactyl-phenetidine is
separated in the manner described above.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
A process for the preparation of acetyl and lactyl derivatives of aniline and
phenetidine, the main distinguishing feature of such process being that the sulphates
or chlorides of these bases are heated, with or without pressure together with
lactates or acetates, substantially as described.
Dated this 17th der of December 1806
ROBERT E. PHILLIPS, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., M.I. Mech. E.,
Consulting Engineer and Patent Agent,
70, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Associate Agent.