Phenol → Benzoic acid, 3,5-dimethyl-, methyl ester

Participants

Reaction Steps

Into this autoclave were charged methyl 3,5-dimethylbenzoate 90 g (550 mmole), phenol 207 g (2200 mmole) and titanium tetraphenoxide/phenol adduct 2.8 g (5.5 mmole) in a state such that the phenol was melting. The autoclave was sealed and then cooled with ice. After sufficient cooling, the inner gas was evacuated with a vacuum pump. Then, the contents were heated and reacted for three hours at 230° C. Furthermore, during the reaction, the liquid held in the reservoir was continuously removed with a pump at a rate of 10 g per hour. After cooling, the reaction mixture in the autoclave was separated by distillation to obtain phenyl 3,5-dimethylbenzoate (product) in an amount of 85 g (68% yield in terms of methyl 3,5-dimethylbenzoate). The boiling point was 155° C./2 mmHg, and the melting point was 32° C.

Provenance & Evidence