3-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzoic acid → Methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methylbenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

The solution of 3-hydroxy-4-methylbenzoic acid (commercially available) in 32 mL hydrochloric acid (1.25M in methanol) was refluxed for 5 h. After cooling to room temperature the solution was poured on saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted three times with ethyl acetate. The organic layers were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered to give the product as a white solid (99%) which was pure enough for the next step. MS (Turbo Spray): m/z=165.1 [M−H].

Provenance & Evidence