Methanol → Methyl 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoate

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Reaction Steps

4-Chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid (25.0 gm.) is dissolved in a cooled solution of methanol (125 ml.) and concentrated sulfuric acid (3.0 ml.). The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and then heated to reflux for 18 hours. The product precipitated as light yellow needles on cooling, which are collected by filtration and washed with 15 ml. of methanol (24.0 gm., m. p. 102°-104.5°). Recrystallization from methanol gives light yellow needles (23.6 g., m.p. 104°-105.5°, 89% yield).

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