Hydrochloric Acid → (3-Chloro-4-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-oxo-acetic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of ethyl 2-(3-chloro-4-(methylthio)phenyl)-2-oxoacetate (12 g, 0.49 mol) in toluene (120 mL, 10 times) was heated to 50° C. 3M NaOH solution (2.23 g, 1.2 eq) was added drop wise at 50° C. and the contents were allowed to reflux for 3 h at 60° C. Progress of the reaction was monitored by TLC (50% ethyl acetate/hexane, Rf˜0.1). On completion of the reaction, toluene was distilled off and the residue obtained was taken in ice cold water. Then the contents were acidified with diluted HCl at 0° C. and allowed to stir for 1 h at room temperature. The precipitate was filtered and dried to yield 2-(3-chloro-4-(methylthio)phenyl)-2-oxoacetic acid as an yellow colored solid (10 g, 93%).

Provenance & Evidence