Lithium Hydroxide → 3-(Difluoromethyl)benzoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of methyl 3-(difluoromethyl)benzoate (1 equiv.) in THF (0.25M) was added 1M LiOH (2.5 equiv.) and allowed to stir at RT. Upon initial addition of LiOH, the solution turned from clear to a burnt orange, and after 2 hrs the solution is light yellow. The reaction stirred for 18 hrs at RT. The volatiles were removed in vacuo, and the aqueous phase was acidified to ˜pH 3. A white precipitate was formed, filtered and dried. Isolated 3-(difluoromethyl)benzoic acid in 78% yield. LCMS (m/z) (M+H)=245.1, Rt=0.73). 1H NMR (400 MHz, <dmso>) δ ppm 6.97-7.30 (m, 1H) 7.63-7.71 (m, 1H) 7.83 (d, J=7.43 Hz, 1H) 8.06-8.16 (m, 1H)

Provenance & Evidence