Methanol → Methyl 4-benzoylbutyrate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 50.0 g of 5-oxo-5-phenylpentanoic acid (260 mmol) (origin: Fluka) and 70 ml of conc. H2SO4 in 1400 ml of methanol was heated under reflux for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled down to room temperature and added to 2 l of water and extracted with ether (2×). The organic phase was washed with water (1×), an aq. solution of NaHCO3 (10%, 2×), again with water (2×), dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated to give 47.9 g (90%) of a slightly yellow oil, which slowly crystallizes at 4° C.

Provenance & Evidence