Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 73 g of 5-methoxysalicylic acid, and 95 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid in 700 ml of methanol was heated under reflux for 48 hours. Potassium carbonate (10 g) was added, and the mixture concentrated to an oily residue which was dissolved in 250 ml of ethyl acetate. This solution was washed with two 100 ml portions of 10% sodium bicarbonate solution, then dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of solvent afforded the title compound as an amber oil.

Provenance & Evidence