Methanol → alpha-Methylthio-alpha-(m-phenoxyphenyl)propionic acid

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Reaction Steps

Methanol (4 ml) and 2 ml of water were added to 663 mg of methyl α-methylthio-α-(m-phenoxyphenyl)propionate, and then 300 mg of sodium hydroxide was added. The mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours. The mixture was diluted with 30 ml of water, and extracted with 10 ml of diethyl ether. The aqueous layer was acidified with about 1 ml of conc. hydrochloric acid, and extracted three times with 20 ml of diethyl ether. The organic layer was washed with 10 ml of water, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Concentration under reduced pressure gave 628 mg of α-methylthio-α-(m-phenoxyphenyl)propionic acid as an oil in a yield of 99%. This product crystallized on standing at room temperature. Recrystallization from hexane/carbon tetrachloride afforded colorless crystals having a melting point of 87° to 88° C.

Provenance & Evidence