Hydrochloric Acid → 2-Hydroxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of toluene (200 ml) containing cresol (108 g) under a nitrogen atmosphere was added tin tetrachloride (26 g) and tri-N-butylamine (54 g). This mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes and 66 g of paraformaldehyde added. This solution was then heated at 100° C. for 8 hours. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was added to water (500 ml) acidified to pH 2 with hydrochloric acid (2N) and extracted with ether, washed with brine, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated to give 2-hydroxy-4-methylbenzaldehyde, m.p.--60°-61° C.

Provenance & Evidence