1,2,3-Trichlorobenzene → 2,3-Dichloroanisole

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Reaction Steps

363 g (1 mole) of 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene is dissolved in 600 ml dimethyl acetamide and heated to 125° with stirring. 500 ml of 25% commercial sodium methoxide in methanol is then added at such a rate that the temperature is maintained at 125°-130°. After addition is complete the temperature is maintained at 130° for 30 minutes. The mixture is diluted with water and extracted with toluene. The toluene extracts are washed with brine, dried and the toluene removed by distillation. The residue is fractionated to yield 200 g of the desired isomer 2,3-dichloroanisole bp 140°/29 mm. By appropriate fractionation the minor isomer 2,3-dichloroanisole may also be obtained.

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