Toluene → Phenoxyacetic Acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

304 g of alkyl phenol derived by partial hydrogenation of distilled cashew nut shell liquid and 650 ml of toluene was charged to a 2 liter reactor equipped with agitator and condenser. The contents were warmed to 40 degree C. Subsequently 112 g of potassium hydroxide was added to the reactor and stirred for 40 minutes. Later, 85 g of chloro acetic anhydride was added slowly in 30 minutes. After the completion of addition of reactants, the reaction mixture was refluxed for 6 hours. On completion of the reaction, the solvent was removed and contents taken in water and acidified with dilute sulfuric acid. The product got separated from the aqueous mixture, which was filtered and recrystallised from methanol.

Provenance & Evidence