Benzoic Acid → Methyl Benzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of benzoic acid (30 g; 0.25 mole in MeOH (80 g; 2.5 mole) and conc. sulphuric acid (2.7 ml) was passed through the CMR (10.5 ml/min.; 141°-5° C.; 760 kPa). Excess MeOH was removed by rotary evaporation and the residue poured into water (250 ml) and the product extracted in CCl4. The organic phase was washed with bicarbonate solution, dried over MgSO4, filtered, evaporated, and the product (18.6 g; 56% yield) distilled under reduced pressure; b.p. 109° C./30 mm of Hg. cf ref.3, where a different method of work-up was used, and a yield of 92% was obtained after 4 hours at reflux.

Provenance & Evidence