The video continues from a benzyl preparation to synthesize benzylic acid, noting benzylic esters like 3-Quinucleonylbenzylate (BZ) as potent incapacitating agents. It describes setting up a reflux reaction using methanol as solvent, preparing a potassium hydroxide solution, and heating to near reflux as benzyl reacts. The hydroxide adds to a carbonyl and a rearrangement forms a carboxylic acid via a three‑membered‑ring intermediate. After reflux, the mixture is cooled and potassium benzylate crystals are isolated by filtration (the first yield about 2 g), with a second crystallization from the filtrate yielding about 1.7 g more. The combined material is dissolved in hot water, and after acidification with hydrochloric acid, benzylic acid crystallizes on cooling. The final product is benzylic acid as pale, flaky crystals, weighing about 1.3 g with a 25% overall yield from starting benzyl. The video discusses uncertainties about impurities and possible byproducts, hints at potential uses, and closes with a note to avoid busywork.
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