Thioglycolic Acid → 4-(Carboxymethylthio)-3-oxobutanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

To a round bottom flask containing mercaptoacetic acid (0.1 mol) dissolved in methanol (25 mL) is added 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoic acid (0.1 mol). The resulting mixture is heated at reflux temperature for about 2 hours. When the reaction is complete, the mixture is allowed to cool to room temperature (22-25° C.). Volatiles are removed under vacuum and the resulting residue is purified by column chromatography to yield 4-(carboxymethylthio)-3-oxobutanoic acid.

Provenance & Evidence