Dichloromethane → (-)-(1R,2S)-2-phenylcyclohexyl chloroacetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A mixture of 2.17 k9 (12.3 mole) of (±)-trans-2-phenylcyclohexanol, 1475 mL (18.43 mole) of chloroacetyl chloride, 6 g (0.049 mole) of 4-dimethylaminopyridine, and 5.5 L of methylene chloride was heated at reflux. After 8 hours, thin layer chromatography analysis (4:1 hexane-ethyl acetate: Spray 5% NH4MoO4 in 10% aqueous H2SO4) indicated complete reaction. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and was stirred with 2×4 L=8 L of saturated NaHC03. The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4) evaporated in vacuo on a rotary evaporator, and finally at 0.5 mmHg to afford 3.21 kg of crude (±)-trans-2-phenylcyclohexyl chloroacetate. Distillation of the tan liquid afforded 2.76 kg (88%) of the desired product as a colorless liquid, (b.p. 125-133°/0.3-0.5 mmHg). The chloroacetylation of other lots of (±)-trans-2-phenylcyclohexanol was accomplished in ← 95%. The particular lot of (±) alcohol used in this example was only about 91% pure.

Provenance & Evidence