Methanol → Methyl 2-((2,3-dimethylphenyl)amino)benzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A suspension of 2-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl) amino]benzoic acid (mefenamic acid) 35 g, 145 mmol) in methanol (600 ml) and concentrated sulfuric acid (15 ml) is heated at reflux for two days. The reaction mixture is cooled in an ice bath. The resulting solid is collected by filtration and recrystallized from methanol to give 2-[(2,3-dimethylphenyl)amino]benzoic acid, methyl ester (32.0 g, 86%); mp 98°-100° C.

Provenance & Evidence