Protocatechuic Acid → Methyl 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 180 g of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 360 ml of dichloroethane, 142 ml of methanol and 18 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid was boiled on a water separator, until distillate is clear. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was admixed with 1.5 liters of diethyl ether, washed with 1 liter of a saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and twice with each 0.4 liter of aqueous sodium chloride solution. After evaporation again, the residue was recrystallized from 3 liters of toluene to obtain the product. m.p. 136°-137° C.

Provenance & Evidence