Potassium Hydroxide → Acetic acid, 5-methoxy-m-tolyl-

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-methoxy-5-methylphenylacetonitrile (9 g; 0.06 mol; from step (ii) above) and KOH (17 g; 0.3 mol) in 150 mL of water:i-PrOH (2:1) was heated while stirring in an autoclave at 120° C. overnight and then at room temperature for 2 days. The reaction mixture was concentrated and extracted with ether. The aqueous phase was acidified and extracted twice with ether. The combined organic layers were washed with water, dried (Na2SO4), and evaporated to a residue which was dissolved in EtOH, treated with activated carbon, filtered, and evaporated to yield the sub-title compound (8.1 g; 80%) as yellow crystals.

Provenance & Evidence