Ethyl 2-(3-methoxyphenyl) acetate

The title compound, C11H14O3, is an important intermediate in the synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds. The ester group is oriented with respect to the benzene ring at a dihedral angle of 5.38 (2)degrees. An intramolecular C-H center dot center dot center dot O hydrogen bond results in the formation of a nearly planar six-membered ring, which is oriented with respect to the adjacent benzene ring at a dihedral angle of 3.92 (2)degrees. Thus, the two rings are nearly coplanar.