3-(3-Methyl-benzyloxy)-phthalic acid dimethyl ester → 3-(3-Methyl-benzyloxy)-phthalic acid

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-(3-methyl-benzyloxy)-phthalic acid dimethyl ester (2.0 g crude, 6.4 mmol) in reagent alcohol (100 mL) and 3 N sodium hydroxide (60 mL) was refluxed for two hours. The solution was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in water (100 mL) and washed with methylene chloride (3×100 mL) then acidified to pH around 4. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2×100 mL) and the combined organic layers was washed with water (2×100 mL), dried and concentrated to give 3-(3-methyl-benzyloxy)-phthalic acid as an off-white solid (3.0 g, 130% crude yield). The product was used in the next step without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence