A solution of 1.0 g (1.81 mmol) of N-(carboxymethyl)-N-[3(methoxycarbonyl)-5-(octadecyloxy)phenyl]glycine and3.1 ml (9.35 mmol) of 3N NaOH in 100 ml of methanol was stirred at reflux under argon for 48 hours. The warm solution was acidified with 3N HCl to pH 2 and the methanol was removed at reduced pressure. Water was added andthe product was filtered and recrystallized from methanol-water to give 0.78 g (80% yield, mp 149°-155°) of N-[3-carboxy-5-(octadecyloxy)phenyl]-N-(carboxymethyl)glycine as a hydratewith 0.75 mole of water.
