Acetone → Methyl 4-octyloxybenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

Into a flask was introduced 251.0 g (1.65 mol) of methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, 276.37 g (1.99 mol) potassium carbonate and 1200 g of acetone. This was refluxed for 45 min followed by the dropwise addition of 386.17 g (1.99 mol) of 1-octylbromide over a 1 hour period. The reaction mixture was refluxed for two days. Filtration of the cooled reaction mixture and evaporation of the filtrate gave an oil. This was taken up in ethyl acetate and extracted with 5% NaOH (2×100 ml) followed by water (2×100 ml). The organic layer was dried (MgSO4), concentrated, and transferred to a 1 L three necked flask. The contents of the flask was subjected to high vacuum distillation to remove the excess 1-octylbromide. The pot residue was essentially pure methyl 4-octoxybenzoate (376 g, 86%).

Provenance & Evidence