Methyl iodide → 2-Chloro-4-methoxybenzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 2-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrate (2.0 g, 12 mmol), iodomethane (2.9 mL, 46 mmol) and N,N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was added sodium hydride (1.9 g, 46 mmol; 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in one portion. After stirring the mixture vigorously for 16 h, the reaction was quenched with water and washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was then acidified with aqueous hydrogen chloride (6N) to give a white precipitate. The mixture was filtered, washed with water, and the filter cake was dried in a vacuum oven to give the desired acid as an off-white solid (1.4 g, 65%). MS (ESI) 187.1, 189.1 (M+H).

Provenance & Evidence