Benzoic Acid → Methyl Benzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of benzoic acid (2.5 g) and triethylamine (5.6 ml) in methanol (5.0 ml) and anhydrous ether (30 ml) is added 1-methanesulfonyloxy-1,2,3-benzotriazole (4.3 g) under cooling. The mixture is stirred for 1 hour and then allowed to stand overnight. The reaction mixture is extracted with ether, and the extract is washed with water, an aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate and water in order, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and then the solvent is distilled off to give methyl benzoate (2.1 g) as an oily substance.

Provenance & Evidence