Clear from the reaction mechanism, the anhydride of aliphatic acid must contain at least 2 α-H for the reaction to occur. The above mechanism is not universally accepted, as several other versions exist, including decarboxylation without acetic group transfer.[7]
Applications
Salicylaldehyde converted to coumarin using acetic anhydride with acetate as base.[8]
cinnamic acid is prepared from benzaldehyde, again using acetic anhydride in the presence of sodium or potassium acetate.
^Dippy, J. F. J.; Evans, R. M. (1950). "The nature of the catalyst in the Perkin condensation". J. Org. Chem. 15 (3): 451–456. doi:10.1021/jo01149a001.
^Panten, Johannes; Surburg, Horst (2016). "Flavors and Fragrances, 3. Aromatic and Heterocyclic Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. pp. 1–45. doi:10.1002/14356007.t11_t02. ISBN978-3-527-30673-2.
^Solladié, Guy; Pasturel-Jacopé, Yacine; Maignan, Jean (2003). "A re-investigation of resveratrol synthesis by Perkins reaction. Application to the synthesis of aryl cinnamic acids". Tetrahedron. 59 (18): 3315–3321. doi:10.1016/S0040-4020(03)00405-8. ISSN0040-4020.