Methanol → 4-Bromo-2,6-dimethylbenzoic acid

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 4-bromo-2,6-dimethyl-benzonitrile (8.0 g, 38 mmol), 5N NaOH (60 mL), and MeOH (60 mL) was stirred at 80° C. for 17 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and the methanol evaporated. The resulting solution was extracted with dichloromethane (2×200 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated. GC-MS indicated that 70% of benzonitrile was converted to benzamide derivative. This material (7.0 g) was treated with 85% phosphoric acid (20 mL) and stirred at 150° C. for 18 h. After this time, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and treated with water (30 mL). The resulting solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×200 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried over anhydrous MgSO4, filtered, and concentrated to afford 4-bromo-2,6-dimethyl-benzoic acid. The material was used without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence