Methyl iodide → Methyl 2-methoxy-4-methylbenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of methyl 2-hydroxy-4-methylbenzoate (3 g; 18.2 mmol) in DMF (36 mL) was added potassium carbonate (5 g; 36.4 mmol) and methyl iodide (3.35 mL; 182 mmol) dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The insoluble's were filtered, washed with ethyl acetate and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The crude material was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of ethyl acetate (1 to 30%) in heptane to furnish 2.78 g of the methyl 2-methoxy-4-methylbenzoate (85%) as a colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence