Ammonia → t-butyl 2-((2R,4R)-4-(2-aminoethyl)-1,5-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecan-2-yl)acetate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of 1.19 g of (±)-cis-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-(cyanomethyl)-1,5-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane-2-acetate in 30 mL of methanol saturated with gaseous ammonia is treated with 0.3 g of Raney nickel #30 and hydrogen gas in a shaker at 60 pounds per square inch gage (psig) and 40° C. After 22 hours, thin layer chromatography indicates no starting nitrile present. The suspension is cooled, filtered through filter aid, and concentrated to an oil. This crude oil is purified by silica gel flash chromatography (30:20:1; ethyl acetate:methanol:ammonium hydroxide) to give 1.18 g of (±)-cis-1,1-dimethylethyl 4-(2-aminoethyl)- 1,5-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane-2-acetate as a clear oil which solidifies upon standing.

Provenance & Evidence