Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl Vanillate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 4-hydroxy-3methoxy benzoic acid (7.2 g) in methanol (150 ml) was refluxed in presence of concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.5 ml) for 12 hrs. After concentrating under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 ml) and washed with water (50 ml) 10% sodium bicarbonate solution (2×50 ml), water (50 ml) and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Removal of the solvent under reduced pressure provided 7.25 g of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzoic acid methyl ester. (Yield=91.5%).

Provenance & Evidence