Acetic Acid → Methyl (R)-2-(4-acetylphenoxy)propionate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

67 g (1 mol) of boron trifluoride were passed into 60 g (1 mol) of acetic acid. The mixture was heated to 45°-50° C., and 36 g (0.2 mol) of methyl (R)-2-phenoxypropionate were added. After stirring at 45°-50° C. for 7 hours, the temperature was raised to 80° C. for 1 h and the mixture was then stirred into 800 ml of 25% by weight aqueous sodium acetate solution. The product was extracted with 200 ml of ethyl acetate and, after concentration of the organic phase, purified by vacuum distillation. Yield: 83.7% (94-95% enantiomeric excess).

Provenance & Evidence