3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid → 6-Methoxy-2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one

Participants

Reaction Steps

α-Methyl-β-(p-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (15 g) is added to 170 g of polyphosphoric acid at 50° and the mixture is heated at 83°-90° for 2 h. The syrup is poured into iced water, stirred for one-half hour and then extracted with ether three times. The ether solution is washed with water twice and 5% NaHCO3 five times until all the acidic material has been removed. The remaining neutral solution is washed with water and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solution gives the indanone as a pale yellow oil.

Provenance & Evidence