Methanol → Methyl (2-chlorophenyl)acetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To 2-chlorophenylacetic acid (1.04 g, 6 mmol) in MeOH (25 mL) was added sulfuric acid (6 drops) and the solution was refluxed for 16 hours. After concentration, the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed with sat'd aq. NaHCO3, H2O and brine. The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give methyl (2-chlorophenyl)acetate 2a (1.08 g, 97.5%) as a yellowish oil. GCMS (EI) m/z 184, 186 (M+).

Provenance & Evidence