Methyl iodide → 3-Methoxy-α-methyl-4-(phenylmethoxy)benzeneacetic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Specifically, a solution of 2-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl) acetic acid 15.0 g, 55.1 mmoles) in dry THF (350 mL) was cooled to -78° C. under argon and treated dropwise with n-butyllithium (42 mL, 2.6M in hexanes). The yellow suspension was then allowed to warm to -10° C. and stirred for 60 minutes. A solution of methyl iodide (3.9 mL, 62.6 mmoles) in THF (15 mL total solution) was then added dropwise via syringe over 30 min resulting in a now homogeneous and clear solution. After 2 hours the THF was rotary evaporated and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (500 mL), extracted with 10% phosphoric acid (3×100 mL), extracted with brine (1×100 mL) and dried over magnesium sulfate. Rotary evaporation afforded a yellow oil which solidified on standing. The solid was triturated with n-pentane and filtered to give 2-(4-benzyloxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (14.0 g, 89%) as a yellow powder.

Provenance & Evidence