Synthesis of carboxylic acids and their methyl esters from alkyl phenyl sulphides

Abstract

Alkyl phenyl sulphides are converted with sulphuryl chloride and pyridine under controlled temperatures into 1,1-dichloroalkyl phenyl sulphides or 1-chloroalk-1-enyl sulphides; treatment of these intermediates with methanol-water (1%v/v) and mercury(II) acetate–formic acid gives, respectively, methyl carboxylic esters and carboxylic acids.