CAS: 86239-03-4

3-Methoxy-4-methyl-benzoic acid ethyl ester is an intermediate in the synthesis of phenanthrene. It is prepared by a palladium-catalyzed reaction of 3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl chloride with ethyl acetoacetate followed by hydrolysis and esterification. 3-Methoxy-4-methyl benzoic acid ethyl ester is also used as a starting material for the synthesis of phenanthroquinolizidine and phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids.