CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Organic synthesis

Organic synthesis: compare question

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2-Methoxybenzoic acid can be prepared by two synthetic routes.

Route A: Step 1: 2-hydroxybenzoic acid is reacted with methyl iodide in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide. Step 2: The product from step 1 is acidified with dilute hydrochloric acid.

Route B: Step 1: 2-methoxytoluene is refluxed with alkaline potassium manganate(VII). Step 2: The mixture is acidified with dilute sulfuric acid.

Compare these two synthetic routes in terms of the type of reaction at each step, the reagents and conditions used, and likely by-products.

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Organic synthesis: compare question

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