Here is a novel route, maybee a French speaker could translate the important stuff.
Methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzyl ketones.
Hinkley, David F.; Budavari, John.
Patent FR1450200 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=FR1450200&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Abstract
The title compounds are prepared and can be used as chemical intermediates. Thus, a solution of 60g 3,4-(MeO)2C6H3CHO (veratraldehyde) in 500ml C6H6 is cooled to 0°C, a mixture of 30g NaOMe and 44.1ml MeCHClCO2Me (2-Chloropropionic acid methyl ester, 17639-93-9) added in 30 min. at 2-5°C, and the mixture agitated for approximately 1 hour at approximately 20°C to give Me a-methyl-a,b-epoxy-b-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propionate (I). A concentrated solution of I in C6H6 is treated with 400ml MeOH, the mixt. heated to 75°C, 240ml 10% NaOH added in 30 min., and the mixture heated to 82°C and treated with 50ml water to give Na a-methyl-a,b-epoxy-b-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propionate (II). An aqueous solution of II is heated to 100°C for 30 min., 70ml concentrated HCl added, and the mixture heated 30 min. at 100°C to give Methyl 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl ketone, which can be used in the preparation of 3,4-(HO)2C6H3CH2CMe(NH2)CO2H. Similarly prepd. are 3,4-(HO)2C6H3CH2COMe (b0.05 165-8°), 4,3-HO(MeO)C6H3CH2COMe, and methyl piperonyl ketone.
Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety
2-Chloropropionic acid methyl ester.
Nagy, Kalman; Imre, Janos; Kiss, Jozsef, Mrs.; Halmos, Jozsef.
HU 37908 A2 19860328 Patent written in Hungarian.
Abstract
Me 2-chloropropionate, useful as a drug intermediate, is prepared by reacting 1 mol 2-chloropropionic acid with (greater than or equal to) 1.4 mol MeOH, using polyphosphoric acid catalyst. Thus, a mixt. of 108.6 g 2-chloropropionic acid, 128.8 g MeOH, and 0.8 g polyphosphoric acid was refluxed for 1 h, followed by the addition of a solution of 2.5 g NaCl and 0.5 g Et3N in 100 mL water and neutralization with NaHCO3, to give 89.9% Me 2-chloropropionate.
Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety
Patent US2010685 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=US2010685&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Patent US3671584 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=US3671584&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Purification
Patent US3772157 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=US3772157&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
In German
Patent DE3422672 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=DE3422672&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Patent DE1768536 (http://l2.espacenet.com/dips/viewer?PN=DE1768536&CY=gb&LG=en&DB=EPD)
Preparation of 2-chlorocarboxylic acids as materials for drugs and agrochemicals.
Japanese patent 63287743
Abstract
RCHClCO2H (I; R = C1-4 n-alkyl) are prepd. by chlorination of aliph. carboxylic acid using anhydrides of I as the catalysts. A mixt. of 3000 g propionic acid and 570 g (EtCO)2O was treated with Cl at 115-125° for 23 h and then water was added to the mixt. to give 5370 g reaction mixt. contg. 97.1% MeCHClCO2H.
Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety