The general procedure for the synthesis of 2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethylphenol from 2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethylphenylboronic acid was as follows: to a 100 mL round bottom flask was added [2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]boronic acid (300 mg, 1.36 mmol, 1.00 eq.), ethanol (15 mL), and 30% hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution (2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 2 hours. Upon completion of the reaction, the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. Subsequently, water was added to dilute the reaction mixture. The mixture was washed with aqueous sodium sulfite and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layers were combined. The organic layer was washed with saturated brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and finally concentrated under reduced pressure to give 250 mg (95% yield) of 2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethyl)phenol as a colorless oil.
