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.
Applications
Salicylaldehyde converted to coumarin using acetic anhydride with acetate as base.
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.