On the Synthesis of Cinnamic Acid from Benzaldehyde through Perkin Reaction
Ancient Chemists Study the wonderful changes in matter, explore the method of synthesis, in order to seek new substances and gain in the world. In today's words, the synthesis of cinnamic acid is made by benzaldehyde through Perkin Reaction, which is an important way of chemical synthesis.

Benzaldehyde, the aromatic aldehyde, has a specific taste and exquisite structure. Perkin Reactor, under the catalysis of the corresponding carboxylic acid, undergoes a condensation reaction between anhydride and aromatic aldehyde to obtain α, β-unsaturated acids. This method synthesizes cinnamic acid, the steps are complicated and orderly.

Prepare various substances first, measure an appropriate amount of benzaldehyde, which is pure in quality and has a positive taste, and is the starting material of the reaction. Take acid anhydride, such as acetic anhydride, which is an active acylating agent and provides a key group for the reaction. Then prepare the corresponding carboxylate, such as potassium acetate, which acts as a catalyst in the reaction to speed up the reaction process and is indispensable.

Place the substances in a suitable reaction vessel and heat them at a controlled temperature. Temperature control is crucial. If the temperature is high, the reaction is too fast and impurities are easy to form; if the temperature is low, the reaction is slow and time-consuming. At a certain temperature, benzaldehyde and acetic anhydride interact with each other under the catalysis of potassium acetate, and chemical bonds are broken and recombined. The aldehyde group of benzaldehyde is connected to the acyl group of acetic anhydride, and through a complex intermediate process, the precursor of cinnamic acid is gradually formed.

After the reaction is completed, the product is mixed with unreacted substances and by-products. It needs to be separated and purified to make cinnamic acid pure. Commonly used methods include distillation, extraction, recrystallization, etc. After distillation, impurities with low boiling point can be removed; by extraction, different solubility can be separated; by recrystallization, cinnamic acid crystals can be precipitated, and the purity is greatly increased.

The synthesis of cinnamic acid is very useful in the chemical industry, the field of medicine, and the manufacture of fragrances. In industry, it can be used as a raw material for the synthesis of many organic substances; in medicine, it has potential medicinal value; in fragrances, it can add fragrance. Scholars should study this method carefully, continuously improve it, make it better, and contribute to the development of chemistry and the well-being of mankind.