To a solution of methyl 4,-(bromomethyl) benzoate (67 g, 250 mmol, 10 equiv) in (1100 mL) was added NaOH (44,84 g, 4,0 equiv) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 25°C for 3 hr. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure and the resulting solution was neutralized with 1 HCl to pH 3-5. 4- (bromomethyl) benzoic acid (INT-1.5) was collected by filtration. The filter cake was washed with water and dried in an oven at 50°C for 5 hr to yield 4- (broMoethynyl)benzoic acid (61g, 96%).
