Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl 4-fluoro-3-methylbenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 4-fluoro-3-methylbenzoic acid (5.0 g, 32.4 mmol) in methanol (150 mL) was added concentrated hydrochloric acid (2 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 4 hrs and then concentrated. The residue was treated with ether (200 mL) and washed with water, 10% sodium hydroxide solution, water and finally brine. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and solvents were removed to give 4-fluoro-3-methylbenzoic acid methyl ester (4.56 g, 83.7%) as an off-white solid.

Provenance & Evidence