(+-)-4-Hydroxymandelic acid → p-Nitrobenzyl 4-hydroxymandelate

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 16.8 g. (0.1 mole) of 4-hydroxymandelic acid in 300 ml. of dimethylacetamide were added 11.2 g. of potassium t-butoxide with an additional 100 ml. of dimethylacetamide. The mixture was stirred at room temperature until a solution was obtained. p-Nitrobenzyl bromide (21.6 g., 0.1 mole) was added to the solution followed by 100 ml. of additional dimethylacetamide. The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 hours and was diluted with one liter of ethyl acetate. The mixture was washed repeatedly with water and dried over magnesium sulfate. The dried solution was evaporated to yield 25 g. (84 percent yield) of p-nitrobenzyl 4-hydroxymandelate.

Provenance & Evidence