Acetone → p-Bromobenzhydryl alcohol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of (4-bromophenyl)(phenyl)methanone (200 g, 0.766 mole) in THF (600 mL) and methanol (400 mL) was added in portions pulverized sodium borohydride (29 g, 0.766 mole) while maintaining the internal temperature between 3° C. and 10° C. After stirring for an additional 15 minutes, acetone (125 mL) was added and the mixture stirred for a subsequent 10 minutes. The solution was concentrated and the residue partitioned between water (250 mL) and ethyl acetate (1.0 L). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na2SO4), filtered and concentrated. The residue was pumped on by high vacuum for 18 hours to give the title compound as an oil.

Provenance & Evidence