dimethyl (2R)-2-methoxybutanedioate → (R)-methoxy-succinic acid

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Reaction Steps

The above (R)-2-methoxysuccinic acid dimethyl ester was suspended in 2 N aqueous hydrochloric acid, and heated to reflux for 30 min to give a clear solution. Upon evaporation of solvent in vacuo a quantitative yield of 2(R)-methoxysuccinic acid was obtained as an oil. The oil was redissolved in acetic anhydride (120 mL) and heated to 110° C. for 2 hours. Solvent was removed by rotary evaporation to leave an oil. Ice cooled methanol (150 mL) was added, and the mixture was stirred for 3 hours at 0° C. followed by 16 hours at room temperature. The solvent was removed to leave (R)-2-methoxysuccinic acid 1-methyl ester.

Provenance & Evidence