An Improved Synthesis of Methyl p-Hydroxyphenylalkanoates

Friedel-Crafts reaction isopropoxybenzene with methyl $\alpha$-chloro-$\alpha$-(maethylthio)acetate 1 afforded methyl $\alpha$-methylthio-p-isopropoxyphenylacetate 2d, which was readily converted into methyl p-isopropoxyphenylacetate 3 by reductive desulfurization with zinc dust in acetic acid. Methylation of 3 with sodium hydride and methyl iodide gave methyl $\alpha$-(p-isopropoxyphenyl)propionate 5. Methyl p-hydroxyphenylakanoates (4,6), useful intermediates for some medicines, were easily prepared by treatment of 3 and 5 with titanium tetrachloride, respectively.