Potassium Hydroxide → 2-[4-(4-Chlorophenyl)-benzyloxy]-2-phenylpropionic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of ethyl 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)benzyloxy]-2-phenylpropionate (7.9 g.) in methanol (100 ml.) containing potassium hydroxide (11.0 g.) was heated under reflux for 2 hours and then evaporated. The residue was partitioned between water (100 ml.) and ether (30 ml.). The aqueous phase was separated and acidified with 4 N-hydrochloric acid to pH 2-3 and extracted with ether (3×30 ml.). These ether extracts were washed with water, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The residue was crystallised by treatment with a mixture of ethyl acetate and hexane to give 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)-benzyloxy]-2-phenylpropionic acid, (3.5 g.), m.p. 125°-126° C.

Provenance & Evidence