Methyl iodide → Methyl 3-methoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 3.52 g (63 mmol) of powdered potassium hydroxide in DMSO (150 mL) are added 2 mL (16 mmol) of hydroxypivalic acid methyl ester, followed by 3.9 mL (63 mmol) of methyl iodide. The reaction mixture is stirred for 0.5 h, then quenched with water (300 mL). The reaction mixture is extracted with DCM (3×300 mL). The combined organic extracts are washed with water (2×150 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and filtered. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure to yield 1.76 g of 3-methoxy-2,2-dimethyl-propionic acid methyl ester as a pale yellow oil, which is used in the next step without further purification. Yield: 77%; 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ ppm 1.1 (6H, s), 3.2 (3H, s), 3.3 (2H, s).

Provenance & Evidence