Hydrochloric Acid → 3-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 3-chlorolactic acid (5.0 g, 40 mmol) and 4-chlorophenol (9.3 g, 72 mmol) in 40 ml 3.3 N sodium hydroxide is stirred under reflux for 2 hours. Subsequently the reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature and acidified to pH 3 with concentrated hydrochloric acid. The resulting white crystals are filtered and dissolved in hot water. This hot solution is adjusted to pH 1 with concentrated sulfuric acid. Upon cooling, 3-(4-chloro-phenoxy)-2-hydroxy-propionic acid is collected as clear crystals.

Provenance & Evidence