Chloromethyl Methyl Ether → 1-BROMO-4-(METHOXYMETHOXY)-2-METHYLBENZENE

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 4-bromo-3-methylphenol (6) (1.0 equiv.) in DMF (0.5 M) at 0° C. was added portionwise 60% wt NaH (1.5 equiv.). The addition was controlled such that internal reaction temperature never went above 10° C. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes, then a solution of chloro(methoxy)methane (1.2 equiv.) in DMF (3M) was added dropwise via additional funnel. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 hours, and then quenched by pouring into ice. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. Ether was added, and the two layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted (1×) with ether. The combined organic layers were washed with water (2×), brine, dried over MgSO4, and concentrated to give 1-bromo-4-(methoxymethoxy)-2-methylbenzene (7) as a colorless oil. The crude material was used in the next step without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence