The benzyl cyanide can be most conveniently prepared according
to the directions in preparation III (p. 9); the product which boils
over a 5'0 range should be used.
In washing the layer of ethyl phenylacetate with sodium carbonate it
is sometimes advisable to add a certain amount of sodium chloride
so that the ester will separate more readily.
The product obtained is water-clear and practically colorless.
Although the product is collected over a 5'0 range, most of
the liquid is found to boil over a 1'0 range, if distilled
slowly without superheating.
The boiling point of ethyl phenylacetate is near that of benzyl cyanide.
However, a Kjeldahl analysis of the product shows that only a trace
of nitrogen compounds is present.