2-Chloroethanol → 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)ethanol

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 43.2 g (0.35 mole) of 2-methoxyphenol (guaiacol, Aldrich) in 200 ml of ethanol was stirred and treated with 29 ml (0.36 mole) of 50% sodium hydroxide solution. To this solution was added a solution of 28.2 g (0.35 mole) of 2-chloroethanol (Aldrich) in 50 ml of ethanol and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 2 hr. The solids were removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the viscous residue was partitioned between 300 ml of 15% sodium hydroxide solution and 500 ml of ethyl ether. The organic layer was washed with 200 ml of 15% sodium hydroxide solution, 300 ml of water, dried (magnesium sulfate) and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to give 24.5 g (42%) of the title compound as a lightly colored viscous oil.

Provenance & Evidence