Sulfuric Acid → 3-(2'-Chloro-4'-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-benzyl alcohol

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 90 parts by weight of 3-(2'-chloro-4'-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-benzaldehyde in 300 parts by volume of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether was added dropwise to a suspension of 5.7 parts by weight of sodium borohydride in 200 parts by volume of ethylene glycol dimethyl ether at 0° C. The reaction mixture was further stirred for 12 hours at room temperature, 500 parts by volume of water were added and the mixture was acidified with 10% strength sulfuric acid. It was then extracted with ether, the organic phase was dried with magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Fractional distillation of the residue gave 80 parts by weight (89% of theory) of 3-(2'-chloro-4'-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-benzyl alcohol (compound No. 3) of boiling point 140°-145° C./0.1 bar and refractive index nD25 : 1.5330.

Provenance & Evidence