Methanol → Benzoic acid, 3-fluoro-, methyl ester

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 3-fluorobenzoic acid (3.0 g, 21.4 mmol) in methanol (71 mL) at 0° C. is treated dropwise with thionyl chloride (3.1 mL, 42.8 mmol). The solution is stirred for 15 min at 0° C., 2.5 h at room temperature, and 2 h at 50° C. The reaction is concentrated in vacuo and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (150 mL). The organic solution is washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate (2×100 mL), brine (100 mL), and dried over sodium sulfate. The solution is decanted and concentrated to yield the title compound, 2.61 g (79%), as a clear, colorless oil.

Provenance & Evidence