Hydrochloric Acid → Dicamba

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

2-Hydroxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid (44.4 g) is dissolved in a solution of potassium hydroxide (11.2 g, 0.2 mole) and water (100 ml). The solution is heated to reflux (about 100° C.) and stirred vigorously while dimethyl sulfate (63.1 g, 0.5 mole) is added dropwise. The reaction mixture is then treated with a solution of potassium hydroxide (14.0 g, 0.25 mole) in 25.0 ml of water and refluxed for an additional 2 hours. The reaction mixture is then cooled and acidified to Congo red with hydrochloric acid to precipitate the desired 2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid.

Provenance & Evidence