Trimethyl orthoformate → Benzoic acid, 4-(dimethoxymethyl)-, methyl ester

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of methyl 4-formylbenzoate (CAS [1571-08-0] 5.33 g, 32.5 mmol) in methanol (40 mL) were added trimethyl orthoformate (7.5 mL, 68.25 mmol) and sulfuric acid (fuming, 3 drops). After heating to reflux with stirring for 16 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to RT and diluted with methylene chloride. The mixture was washed with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate and brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to afford 7 g of methyl 4-(dimethoxymethyl)benzoate as a colorless oil.

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