Methanol → (E)-Methyl 3-(3,4-difluorophenyl)acrylate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of trans-3,4-difluorocinnamic acid (10 g, 54 mmol) in 300 mL methanol was added concentrated sulfuric acid (2 mL). The solution was stirred 48 h at ambient temperature and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in ethyl acetate (500 mL) and washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×100 mL), brine (1×100 mL), dried with magnesium sulfate, and concentrated in vacuo to provide trans-3,4-difluorocinnamic acid methyl ester (10.7 g, 54 mmol, 100%) as a white solid.

Provenance & Evidence