The w-halogen derivatives of pentanoic and hexanoic acids are of some interest in connection with the preparation of compounds related to ornithine and lysine. Several methods of synthesis are already available but they are not entirely satisfactory in all details. 5-Bromopentanoic acid has been prepared by Cloves' by heating 5- phenoxypentanoic acid with concd. hydrobromic acid in a sealed tube at 14.5'. The j-phenoxypentanoic acid is best prepared by Gabriel's ...
