Sodium Hydroxide → 2-(Methoxycarbonyl)-3-[4-[2-(2-naphthoxy)ethoxy]phenyl]propionic acid

To a solution of dimethyl 4-[2-(2-naphthoxy)ethoxy]benzylmalonate (0.44 g, 1.07 mmol) in a mixture of methanol (4.3 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (2.1 ml) at 0° C. is added a 2 mol/L aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (0.59 ml, 1.18 mmol). The mixture is stirred for 2 h at room temperature, and then the solvent is removed under a vacuum. The residue was dissolved in saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (10 ml) and washed with ethyl acetate (10 ml). The aqueous solution is acidified to pH 2–3 with dilute hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (3×15 ml). The combined extracts are washed with water (20 ml) and brine (20 ml), dried over sodium sulfate, and concentrated. The residue is crystallized from ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.35 g, 83%). HRMS calcd for C23H22O6: 394.4208. Found: 394.4206. MA calcd for C23H22O6: C, 70.04%; H, 5.62%. Found: C, 70.18%; H, 5.66%.