Methanol → Methyl 3-Bromo-2-methylbenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

2 mL of concentrated sulfuric acid were added to a solution of 3-bromo-2-methylbenzoic acid (20 g, 93 mmol) in methanol (150 mL). The resultant mixture was refluxed for 6 hours. Methanol was removed under reduced pressure, and the residue was dissolved in a mixture of chloroform (100 mL) and saturated solution of Na2CO3 (100 mL). The organic layer was separated and washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to provide methyl 3-bromo-2-methylbenzoate (21.1 g). 1H NMR spectrum (in DMSO-d6): δ 7.79 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H); 7.69 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H); 7.23 (t, 1H); 3.82 (s, 3H).

Provenance & Evidence