Ethanol → Ethyl 4-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 4-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutyric acid (Compound 2, 21.75 g, 98.0 mmol) in absolute ethanol (200 mL) was added 10 drops of concentrated H2SO4. The resulting solution was refluxed for 3 days, then cooled to room temperature, treated with 30 mL of NaOH 2N, diluted with 50 mL of water, and extracted 3 times with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, and dried over MgSO4, and filtered. The solvent was removed to afford 20.6 g (84%) of the title compound as a yellow solid.

Provenance & Evidence