Methanol → Methyl 2-ethylbenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 11.8 g. (0.076 mole) of 2-ethylbenzoic acid in 25 ml. of absolute methanol is treated cautiously with 2.5 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid and heated to reflux. After 4 hours, the mixture is poured onto ice and the oily product is extracted into ether. Evaporation of the washed (water, 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water) and dried extract under reduced pressure leaves methyl 2-ethylbenzoate as the residual colorless oil in a yield of 86%.

Provenance & Evidence