Kojic Acid → 5-(benzyloxy)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

69 g (3 mol) of sodium were dissolved in 5 1 of methanol. Subsequently 425.3 g (3 mol) of 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one was added and stirred at 30° C. until a clear solution was obtained. 595 g (3.5 mol) of benzyl bromide was then added and stirred for 1 hour under reflux. The warm and very dark colored solution was poured into 15 1 of ice water. The product crystallized immediately. The crystals were collected and washed first with 8 1 of water and then twice with 2.5 1 of ether. The product was left to stand overnight and finally dried at 50° C. for 16 hrs. Yield: 646 g=92.6%.

Provenance & Evidence