A number of compounds related to ethyl 2-(4'-chlorophenoxy) isobutyrate (clofibrate) were synthesized for the purpose of preparing hypolipidemic agents. These included 3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole and other miscellaneous derivatives in addition to 2-(4'-chlorophenoxy) isobutyryloxybenzoates. The preparations, hypolipidemic activity, and toxicity of these compounds are discussed. Ethyl 2-[2'-(4"-chlorophenoxy) isobutyryloxy] benzoate (7), butyl 2-[2'-(4"-chlorophenoxy) isobutyryloxy] benzoate (9), and ethyl 4-[2'-(4"-chlorophenoxy) isobutyryloxy] benzoate (23) possessed good combiation or hypolipidemic activity and toxicity.
