Methanol → 3-Methyl-5-phenylbenzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-cyano-5-phenyltoluene (5.06 g; 26 mmol) and potassium hydroxide (2.94 g; 52 mmol) in methanol (40 ml) and water (60 ml) was refluxed for 24 hours. After evaporation of the methanol and filtration of the unsoluble material, the mixture was acidified to pH 2 with 6N HCl. The resulting precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried to give 3-methyl-5-phenylbenzoic acid. Yield=65%.

Provenance & Evidence