Regioselective Dealkylation of 2-Alkoxybenzoic Acid and Its Amide Derivatives with Aliphatic Amines

Abstract

The methoxy group of o-anisic acid was cleaved with aliphatic amines in aprotic dipolar solvents. This cleavage reaction was especially smooth when piperazine in dimethylacetamide was used. This method was applicable to a variety of dealkylations of o-alkoxybenzoic acid and its amide derivatives with high regioselectivity.