Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl 2,4,5-trimethylphenylacetate

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Reaction Steps

100 g (0.56 mol) of 2,4,5-trimethylphenylacetic acid were dissolved in 230 ml of methanol, 6 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 10 hours. It was then cooled to room temperature and the methanol was removed in vacuo. The residue was stirred into a solution of 53 g of sodium carbonate, dissolved in 260 ml of water, and the organic phase was taken up in 200 ml of toluene. The organic phase was separated off, dried and concentrated and the residue was distilled. 48.6 g of methyl 2,4,5-trimethylphenylacetate having a boiling point of 86° C. under 0.2 mbar were obtained.

Provenance & Evidence