Methanol → Methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 30.8 g (183 mmol) of 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid and 6 mL of conc sulfuric acid in 600 mL of methanol was refluxed overnight. Most of the solvent was removed and the remaining solution was poured into 600 mL of water containing 25 g of sodium bicarbonate. The product was extracted into ether, treated with Darco, dried and evaporated. The yield was 31.8 g of methyl 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoate as pale yellow crystals.

Provenance & Evidence