Methanol → 2-(4-Tolyl)propanoic acid

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Reaction Steps

To a solution of 77.5 g. of 2-methane-sulphonyloxy-4-methyl-hydratropic acid in 600 ml. of methanol 84 ml. of triethyl amine and 6 g. of a 5% palladium on charcoal catalyst are obtained, and the mixture is hydrogenated at 25° C. until a calculated amount of hydrogen is used up. Catalyst is filtered off and the filtrate is evaporated. The residue is taken up in water and the solution is acidified with a 20% aqueous hydrochloric acid solution. The separated 4-methyl-hydratropic acid is extracted with chloroform and the chloroform extract is dried over sodium sulphate. Evaporation of the solution affords 4-methylhydratropic acid.

Provenance & Evidence