Methyl Glycolate → Phenylacetic Acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of methyl 2-hydroxyacetate (0.2 mol) in THF (100 ml) was stirred on an ice bath. 2-Chloro-2-phenylacetyl chloride (0.132 mol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred overnight, poured out in water and then stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was extracted with DEPE. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated, yielding 30 g of benzeneacetic acid, α-chloro-, 2-methoxy-2-oxoethyl ester (intermediate 43).

Provenance & Evidence