Methyl Salicylate → Methyl 5-acetylsalicylate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 75 g. (0.5 m.) of methyl salicylate in 200 ml. of tetrachloroethylene is cooled in an ice bath and treated with a solution of 40 g. (0.5 m.) of acetyl chloride in 200 ml. of tetrachloroethylene. To the chilled mixture is added 133 g. (1.0 m.) of aluminum chloride over a fifteen minute period, maintaining the temperature below 25° C. After the adddition is completed the mixture is stirred for 4 hours at 25° C. and then poured into ice water. The organic layer is separated, washed with water and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residual oil is crystallized from hexane to give methyl 5-acetylsalicylate, m.p. 60°-62° C.

Provenance & Evidence