EFFICIENT METHYLATION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS WITH POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE/METHYL SULFOXIDE AND IODOMETHANE

Abstract

Methylation of several carboxylic acids was promoted by potassium hydroxide in methyl sulfoxide and iodomethane to produce corresponding methyl esters in good yield. This method has advantage over other described methods because it uses inexpensive reagents and the reaction is carried out under mild and favorable conditions.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was generously supported by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Proyect 32633-E and DGAPA, Proyect IN-206598. We are also grateful to R. Patiño, M. A. Peña, B. Quiróz, H. Rios, W. Matus, L. Velasco and F. J. Peréz for their assistance in obtaining the IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectral data.