Methanol → beta,beta-Dimethylbenzeneethanol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of 2-methyl-2-phenyl-propionic acid (82 g, 0.5 mol) in THF (200 mL) was added dropwise borane-dimethyl sulfide (2M, 100 mL) at 0-5° C. The mixture was stirred at this temperature for 30 min and then heated at reflux for 1 h. After cooling, methanol (150 mL) and water (50 mL) were added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc (100 mL×3), and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to give 2-methyl-2-phenyl-propan-1-ol as an oil (70 g, 77%).

Provenance & Evidence