Synthesis of phenytoin from benzil and urea
BACKGROUND Principle: Base catalyzed reaction between benzyl and urea is used for synthesis of phenytoin. The reaction is proceeding via intramolecular cyclization to form an intermediate heterocylic pinacol, which on acidification yield hydantoin (phenytoin) as a result of 1,2-diphenyl shift in pinacol rearrangement reaction.1 Aim: To prepare phenytoin from benzil and urea. Reaction: Mechanism: Use: … Read more