To a solution of cyanide β-39 (53 g, 79 mmol) in EtOH (300 mL) was added aq. NaOH solution (8.0 N, 300 mL, 2.4 mol). The reaction mixture was refluxed overnight. After cooling to room temperature, hydrochloric acid (3.0N) was added to neutralize the reaction mixture. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with water and brine prior to drying over anhydrous MgSO4. Filtration and concentration under reduced pressure yielded the titled compound 55 (54 g, 98%) as a white solid.
