Preparation and Resolution of Methylphenylacetic Acid.-dl-Methylphenylacetic acid was prepared in 78y0 yield by a malonic ester synthesis involving ethyl phenylmalonate and methyl iodide. Physical constants for the racemic acid are bp 124-125"(3-4 mm.), TZ~ D 1.5211, d204 1.097. Resolution of the acid was accomplished by three recrystallizations of the strychnine salt from 75% ethyl alcohol.'Deconlposition of the strychnine salt with ...