Potassium Hydroxide → 2-Carboxy-2-(4-methoxybenzylthio)indan

Participants

Reaction Steps

Dissolve 2-(carbomethoxy)-2-(4-methoxybenzylthio)indane (2.20 g, 3.55 mmol) in 95% ethanol (25 mL), water (12 mL) and tetrahydrofuran (15 mL). Treat with potassium hydroxide (1.3 g, 23 mmol) and stir at room temperature for 1 hour. Filter and evaporate the solvent in vacuo. Partition between water (125 mL) and ether (75 mL). Separate the aqueous phase and acidify with cold concentrated hydrochloric acid. Extract with methylene chloride (75 mL), dry (Na2SO4) and evaporate the solvent in vacuo. Purify by silica gel chromatography (2:1 hexane/ethyl acetate) to give 2-carboxy-2-(4-methoxybenzylthio)indane as a yellow solid (0.48 g, 43%).

Provenance & Evidence