Synthesis
To a mixed solution of tetrahydrofuran ( 12 m L) and water ( 8 m L) of the precursor compound ester ( 312 mg , 1.48 mmol) was added lithium hydroxide (
109 mg, 4.46 mmol) in aqueous solution, the resulting mixture was stirred and reacted at room temperature for 2 h. Then the tetrahydrofuran was removed under vacuum, and the residue obtained was acidified with 5N
HCl acidified to make the reaction aqueous solution pH = 2 and extracted with EtOAc ( 3 20 m L ).
) was extracted, the combined organic layers were washed with brine, the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and then evaporated under vacuum to give 4-(hydroxymethyl)phenoxyacetic acid as a white solid in 89 % yield.
