Methane → 2-Methoxy-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

The disodium salt of 2-hydroxy-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid (21 g.) and dimethyl sulphate (92 ml.) were stirred together at 140°-150° C. for 2.5 hours. After standing overnight, the mixture was added to a solution of sodium hydroxide (40 g.) in water (250 ml.), and the mixture stirred and heated on the steam-bath for 1 hour. Charcoal was added, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was cooled, acidified with concentrated hydrochloric acid, and maintained at 0° C. The solid which separated was filtered off and recrystallised from aqueous ethanol to give 2-methoxy-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid (14.7 g.), m.p. 97°-98° C.

Provenance & Evidence