Methanol → (R)-Methyl 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxyacetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

In a 1 L flask, 120 g (0.643 mole) of (R)-2-chloromandelic acid, 480 ml methanol and 4.8 g concentrated sulfuric acid were added. The solution is then heated to reflux for 2 hours and excess methanol is distilled under vacuum. The oily residue was taken in 650 ml chloroform and washed with 240 gm aqueous solution of 10% potassium carbonate and concentrated under vacuum. 124.4 gm of methyl-(R)-2-hydroxy-2-(2-chlorophenyl)acetate was obtained in the form of a colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence