Chapter 22: Problem 42
Propose a synthesis for 3,5 -dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid starting from phenol.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The final product obtained is 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid.
Step by step solution
01
Formation of 2-methoxyphenol
In the first step, we will protect the hydroxyl group by ether formation. React phenol with an excess of anhydrous methanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst (e.g., H2SO4) to generate the ether 2-methoxyphenol (also known as guaiacol). This step is crucial to prevent unwanted substitution of the hydroxyl group in the subsequent reactions. The reaction can be represented as:
Phenol + CH3OH (excess) → 2-methoxyphenol
02
Nitration of 2-methoxyphenol
Perform nitration of 2-methoxyphenol by reacting it with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Nitration of 2-methoxyphenol will result in 4-nitro-2-methoxyphenol as the major product due to the electron-donating methoxy group. The reaction can be represented as:
2-methoxyphenol + HNO3 → 4-nitro-2-methoxyphenol
03
Reduction of 4-nitro-2-methoxyphenol
Reduce the nitro group of 4-nitro-2-methoxyphenol to an amino group. This can be achieved using a reducing agent like tin (Sn) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), followed by neutralization with a strong base (e.g., NaOH). The product formed will be 4-amino-2-methoxyphenol. The reaction can be represented as:
4-nitro-2-methoxyphenol + Sn/HCl → 4-amino-2-methoxyphenol
04
Diazotization of 4-amino-2-methoxyphenol
Convert the amino group of 4-amino-2-methoxyphenol to a diazonium salt by treating it with sodium nitrite (NaNO2) in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at a low temperature (0-5°C). The product will be a diazonium salt, 4-diazonium-2-methoxyphenol chloride. The reaction can be represented as:
4-amino-2-methoxyphenol + NaNO2 + HCl → 4-diazonium-2-methoxyphenol chloride
05
Formation of 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxyphenol
Replace the diazonium group of 4-diazonium-2-methoxyphenol chloride with two chlorine atoms using cuprous chloride (Cu2Cl2) in the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl). This reaction is known as Sandmeyer reaction and will result in the formation of 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxyphenol. The reaction can be represented as:
4-diazonium-2-methoxyphenol chloride + Cu2Cl2 → 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxyphenol
06
Formation of 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid
Lastly, convert the hydroxyl group of 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxyphenol to a carboxyl group (benzoic acid). This can be done by performing a strong oxidation reaction using potassium permanganate (KMnO4) in the presence of a strong base such as potassium hydroxide (KOH). The product formed will be 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid. The reaction can be represented as:
3,5-dichloro-2-methoxyphenol + KMnO4/KOH → 3,5-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!