(RS)-Naproxen methyl ester → 2-(6-Methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

The crude methyl 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionate is hydrolyzed with methanol/potassium hydroxide/water until TLC indicates no remaining ester. Then the reaction mixture is poured into water and extracted with methylene chloride and acidified with hydrochloric acid. The mixture is filtered and the organic and aqueous layers are separated. The aqueous layer then is acidified and filtered to yield 13.5 g of 2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid (melting point: 153°-155° C.).

Provenance & Evidence