Methanol → Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-methyl-, methyl ester

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a slurry of 3-methylsalicylic acid (200 g) in 600 mL of methanol at −15° is added 65.7 g of concentrated sulfuric acid. The mixture is treated at reflux temperature for 5 days. The reaction mixture is concentrated, and methyl-t-butyl ether (500 mL) and water (250 mL) are added. The ether layer is separated, washed with bicarbonate solution and evaporated to dryness to give methyl 3-methylsalicylate an oil.

Provenance & Evidence