Synthesis of 4-methoxy-3,5-dinitrobenzaldehyde: a correction to supposed tele nucleophilic aromatic substitution

1,3-Dinitro-5-trichloromethylbenzene (2) was reacted with sodium methoxide in an attempt to prepare 4-methoxy-3,5-dinitrobenzaldehyde (7) via a reported tele nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The product from this reaction was methyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (5) and not the methoxy aldehyde as had been reported. The desired product was prepared by conventional nitration methodology from 4-methoxy-3-nitrobenzaldehyde.