Reaction mixture cooled to room temperature was poured into 1.875 mole of cold methanol (5 C), then during cooling with water-ice mixture some amount of sodium metabisulfite (Na2S2O5) was added up to discoloring from the excess of bromine. During this addition temperature can raise to 20-23 C. The obtained acidic suspension was dissolved in enough water, then alkalized to pH above 9 with solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). After extraction with ethyl ether, followed by drying the extract with anhydrous sodium sulfate ( Na2SO4) and removing solvent, the product was distilled under vacuum. Yield 8.73 g (84 %). B.p. 65 C (0.1 mm Hg ??