A solution of Grignard reactive (prepared from 247 g of o-bromoanisole and
31.6 g of magnesium in 1500 ml of ether) is added dropwise to a solution of
91 g of diphenyl pyruvic acid in ether. The mixture is refluxed for 2 hours.
After cooling to the reaction mixture is added 5% hydrochloric acid and the
product is extracted with 5% solution of sodium hydroxide. α-(o-Anisyl)-β,β-
diphenyl lactic acid is precipitated by addition of concentrated hydrochloric
acid; yield 62 g, melting point 194-195°C.
4 g of α-(o-anisyl)-β,β-diphenyl lactic acid is heated at 210-215°C for 10-15
min. The α-(o-anisyl)-β,β-diphenyl acrylic acid is recrystallized from benzene,
yield 2.85 g (74%), melting point 195-196°C.
