Abstract: This invention discloses a process for the production of 2-methoxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid which comprises reacting 2-amino-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid with nitrous acid to form the corresponding diazonium salt, hydrolyzing the diazonium salt to form 2-hydroxy-3,6-dichlorobenzoic acid and methylating said hydroxy acid.