Lithium Hydroxide → 2-Chloro-4-methylbenzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To methyl 2-chloro-4-methylbenzoate (1.00 g, 5.42 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) methyl alcohol (5 mL) and water (2.5 mL) is added 2N lithium hydroxide (8.12 mL, 16.2 mmol). The reaction mixture is heated at 50° C. for 2.5 hr, cooled to room temperature, and then quenched with 5N hydrochloric acid (3.24 mL). The mixture is concentrated to remove the tetrahydrofuran and methyl alcohol. A white precipitate is formed and is filtered. After drying, 0.922 g (100%) of 2-chloro-4-methylbenzoic acid is isolated. ES(−)MS m/z 169, (M−H)− consistent with 1 Cl.

Provenance & Evidence