4-Methoxyphenylacetic Acid → 4-Methoxyphenethyl alcohol

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 100 g (0.60 mol) of p-methoxyphenylacetic acid in ether is introduced into a 4 l reactor, under nitrogen, which contains 28 g (0.74 mol) of lithium aluminum hydride and 600 ml of anhydrous ether. The mixture is heated under reflux for 3 hours and then cooled in a bath of ice and salt and the excess hydride is removed by cautiously adding 25 ml of water, followed by 25 ml of 15% strength NaOH and, finally, 20 ml of water. The white precipitate is removed by filtration, and after evaporation of the ether, 80 g of an oil are obtained. This oil, when distilled under 0.07 mm Hg at a temperature of 115° C., gives 77 g of 2-(p-methoxyphenyl)-ethan-1-ol. Yield: 85%.

Provenance & Evidence