Methanol → methyl 3,3,3-trifluoro-dl-lactate

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Reaction Steps

A mixture of (±)-2-hydroxy-3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid (7.8 g.), methanol (10 ml.) and concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5 ml.) is heated under reflux for 2 days. The cooled solution is poured into water (100 ml.), the mixture is saturated with sodium sulphate, and is extracted three times with ether. The extract is dried with sodium sulphate and evaporated. The residual oil (8.6 g.) is fractionally distilled to give (±)-methyl 2-hydroxy-3,3,3-trifluoropropionate b.p. 60°-64° C. at 12 mm. pressure, m.p. 50°-53° C. (3.9 g.).

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