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

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A 3 L reaction flask was charged with methyl m-toluic acid (0.5 kg), anhydrous methanol (2 L), and sulfuric acid (100 g). The mixture was heated to reflux (65° C.) and aged for 14-20 hours, then cooled to an ambient temperature, and the acid was quenched with a two molar equivalent of sodium acetate. Methanol was distilled out of the flask and the mixture was washed with 1 L brine. The crude product was vacuum distilled to give 480 g of methyl m-toluate, which had a boiling point of 113° C. at a pressure of 25 mmHg.

Provenance & Evidence