2-(4-Chlorophenyl)-3-methylbutyric acid

1878-66-6

75-29-6

2012-74-0

To a xylene dispersion of fine potassium hydroxide with a particle size of less than 100 μm (26 g, 0.33 mol) prepared by the method of Example 1, 50 ml of a xylene solution of isopropyl chloride (37.5 g, 0.22 mol) was added. The mixed solution was added dropwise in about 10 minutes, followed by a continuous reaction at 70°C to 80°C for 50 minutes. Upon completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was poured into 300 ml of water and the aqueous and organic layers were separated. The organic layer was concentrated and xylene was removed by distillation and finally subjected to reduced pressure distillation to give 43 g of α-isopropyl-4-chlorophenylacetic acid (91% yield, melting point 88°-89°C).