Hydrochloric Acid → Methyl 3-(2-formyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)methylbenzoate

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Reaction Steps

To a stirred solution of methyl 3-(2-formyl-3-methoxyphenoxy)methylbenzoate (3 g, 0.01 M) in dry tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) was added dropwise a solution of magnesium iodide (4.13 g, 0.015 M) in dry ether (65 ml). The mixture was then stirred under reflux (51/2 hr). The cooled mixture was poured into 10% hydrochloric acid (55 ml). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous phase extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic solutions were washed with sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (magnesium sulphate) and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in chloroform-methanol (95:5) and filtered through a short pad of florisil. The pale yellow solution was evaporated to give methyl 3-(2-formyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)methylbenzoate, m.p. 118°-120° C. from ethyl acetate/petrol.

Provenance & Evidence