Methyl bromoacetate → 2-Methoxy-2-oxoethyl lactate

Methyl bromoacetate (4.73 mL, 50 mmol) was added to a stirring solution of tetramethylammonium lactate dihydrate (11.0 g, 55 mmol) in 20 mL dimethylformamide at room temperature. Tetramethylammonium bromide separated from the reaction mixture as a white solid and the title compound was formed quantitatively within 60 min as determined by CG (Method A). The reaction mixture was filtered, the solids were washed with ethyl ether, and the combinated filtrate and ether solution was washed with 5% NaCl/5% NaHCO3. Sufficient ethyl ether was added to effect rapid separation of the phases, the aqueous phase was extracted with CH2Cl2, and the organic phases were combined and dried with MgSO4. The solvent was removed and the resulting residue was distilled under reduced pressure to give the title compound: b.p. 79° C./0.15 mm Hg.