Chemical Properties
yellow to beige-brown crystalline powder
Uses
4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenylacetic acid is an important raw material and intermediate used in organic synthesis, pharmaceuticals agrochemicals and dyestuff fields.
Preparation
synthesis of 4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenylacetic acid: 1-(4-Methanesulfonyl-phenyl)-ethanone (20 mmol), morpholine (60 mmol) and elemental sulfur (40 mmol) were added in a round-bottom flask and refluxed for 2 h at 398 K. A 3N solution of NaOH (20 ml) was then added, and the reaction mixture refluxed for an additional 30 min. After cooling, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was acidified with HCl to pH 6. The solution was again filtered off and washed with ethyl acetate. The resulting aqueous fraction was finally acidified with diluted HCl, to yield the pure product as a white solid. Crystals suitable for X-ray analysis were obtained by slow evaporation of an ethanol/water (1:1 v/v) solution.
Application
4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenylacetic Acid is an intermediate used to prepare heterocyclic diaryl compounds as selective COX-2 inhibitors. It is also used to synthesize hydroxyfuranones as antioxidants and antiinflammatory agents.
