N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone → 2,3-Dimethylbenzoic acid

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Reaction Steps

A 100-ml. inner capacity stainless steel autoclave of a shaker type is charged with 22.5 grams (0.150 mol) of 2,3-xylyl formate. Further N-methyl pyrrolidone of 1.0 mol, a complex compound of diethyl acetone-dicarboxylate-cobalt of 0.036 mol and potassium bromate of 0.070 mol per mol of 2,3-xylyl formate, are added into the autoclave. Carbon monoxide is introduced into the autoclave under pressure, and the reaction is conducted at 270° C. for 2.0 hours, the maximum pressure being about 430 kg./cm.2 gauge. After termination of the reaction, the autoclave is cooled and the reaction product is taken away therefrom. The unreacted 2,3-xylyl formate is distilled off. Further distillation of the product liquor gives 9.60 grams (0.064 mol) of 2,3-dimethyl benzoic acid. This yield corresponds to a conversion of 42.7% based on the starting formic acid ester.

Provenance & Evidence