Synthesis of 3-methyl-phenoxyacetic acid catalyzed by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was used to catalyze the reaction of chloroacetate and 3-methyl-phenol to synthesize 3methyl-phenoxyacetic acid.Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide,which had a higher catalytic activity,could accelerate the synthesis of 3-methyl-phenoxyacetic acid.The influence of condition on the yield and the repeated using performance of catalyst were reviewed in the reaction process.Results showed that the optimum reaction conditions were:the temperature was 85℃,the molar ratio of 3methyl-phenol and chloroacetace was 1:4,weight of catalyst was 0.2g,and reaction time was 3.5h.Under the conditions,the yield of 3-methyl-phenoxyacetic acid could reach 46.33%.The dosage of catalyst was less,and the catalyst could be recovered and reused.