Ethanol → Ethyl 2-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 2-chloro-4-hydroxy-benzonitrile (5.0 g, 32.6 mmol) in ethanol (125 ml) was treated with conc. sulphuric acid (25 ml) and the mixture heated at reflux for 3 days. Conc. sulphuric acid (25 ml) was added and the mixture was heated at reflux for another 2 days. The volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the aqueous residue was basified with saturated NaHCO3 and extracted 4 times with diethyl ether. The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated in vacuo to yield the title compound (2.5 g, 38%).

Provenance & Evidence