Methanol → Methyl Gentisate

Participants

Reaction Steps

2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (4 g) is dissolved in 20 mL of methanol. To the solution, 3 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid is added. The reaction mixture is brought to gentle reflux over 24 hours. Methanol is removed and the residue is diluted with water. The compound of interest is extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic layer is extracted with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Solvent is removed and the product is in the form of off-white powders.

Provenance & Evidence