SYNTHESIS OF 3, 4-DIMETHYL BENZOIC ACID——AN INTERMEDIATE FOR IRGAFEN PREPARATION

When 2, 4-Dimethyl acetophenone (1 part) was mixed with aluminium chloride (2 parts) and heated at 135℃ for 9-10 hours, migration occurred with the formation of 3, 4- isomer. The latter was oxidized by sodium hypochlorite solution at 55℃ to 3, 4- dimethylbenzoic acid, melting point 165-166℃.