To inexpensively obtain the subject derivative of 2-(4- methylphenyl)benzoic acid in good yield useful for synthesis of orthotoluylbenzonitrile, etc. by carrying out a reaction of a sulfonic acid derivative and a zinc aryl compound in the presence of a specific catalyst.
The 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzoate of formula III [e.g. methyl 2-(4-methylphenyl)benzoate, etc.], is obtained by reacting a sulfonic acid derivative of formula I [R is a 1-6C alkyl; and R1 is a 1-6C (substituted) alkyl or the like]{e.g. methyl 2-[1-(perfluorobutane)suflonyloxy]benzoate, etc.}, and a zinc aryl compound of formula II (X is Cl, etc.), (e.g. p-tolyl zinc bromide, etc.), in an organic solvent (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, etc.), in the presence of a catalyst based on palladium (0) or nickel (0). Pd or Ni element that is optionally supported or a complex of Pd or Ni with a ligand (e.g. triphenylphosphine, etc.), are preferred as the catalyst.
TARQUINI ANTONIO
ROSSI RENZO
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