Methanol → Methyl 2-(2-bromophenyl)acetate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Combine 2-bromophenylacetic acid (500.0 g, 2.33 mol) with methanol (5.0 L) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Add concentrated sulfuric acid (185.8 mL) drop-wise at 20-35° C., and then warm to 60-65° C. with stirring for 3-4 hours. Cool the reaction mixture to 45° C. and concentrate under reduced pressure below 45° C. to a volume of approximately 750 mL. Cool the reaction mixture to 10-30° C. and add dichloromethane (2.5 L). Adjust the pH to 7-8 with sodium hydroxide (7%, 380.0 mL) and separate the layers. Concentrate the organic phase to dryness under reduced pressure below 45° C. to obtain the title compound (516.5 g, 97.0%) as a yellow oil.

Provenance & Evidence