Question

Cinnamic acid from benzaldehyde by perkin reaction

Answer 1

Perkin reaction. The Perkin reaction is an organic reaction developed by English chemist William Henry Perkin that is used to make cinnamic acids. It gives an α,β-unsaturated aromatic acid by the aldol condensation of an aromatic aldehyde and an acid anhydride, in the presence of an alkali salt of the acid.

Reaction type: Condensation reaction

Named after: William Henry Perkin

Answer 2

Explanation:

Water is added and then distilled with steam, until no more benzaldehyde passes over. Purification is performed by crystallization from water. Reaction yield is about 15 grams and the melting point of pure cinnamic acid – 133° C.