To a 0° C. solution of benzyl 3-oxocyclohexanecarboxylate 1 (2.50 g, 10.8 mmol) in 55 mL of THF was added NaBH4 (814 mg, 21.5 mmol) portionwise. The reaction mixture was maintained at 0° C. for 20 min. Then water was slowly added to the reaction, and the reaction was diluted with Et2O. The resulting layers were separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with Et2O. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. Purification of the resulting residue by flash chromatography (Biotage™ 40M 5-25% EtOAc/hexanes then 25-35% EtOAc/hexanes) afforded the title compound as a clear, colorless oil. LCMS: calculated for C14H18O3 234.29, observed m/e 235.0 (M+H)+ 256.9 (M+Na) (Rt 1.74/4 min).
