3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanoic acid → 6-Methoxy-2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-one

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Reaction Steps

α-Methyl-β-(ρ-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (15 g.) is added to polyphosphoric acid (170 g.) at 50° C. and the mixture is heated at 83°-90° for two hours. The syrup is poured into iced water, stirred for one-half hour, and then extracted with ether three times. The ether solution is washed with water twice, and with 5% NaHCO3 five times until all the acidic material has been removed. The remaining neutral solution is washed with water and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solution gives the indanone as a pale yellow oil.

Provenance & Evidence