Boron trifluoride etherate → 5-(Dimethylamino)-2-nitrobenzenemethanol

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 189 g of 5-dimethylamino-2-nitrobenzoic acid in 1.5 l of 1,2-dimethoxyethane was treated with 52 g of sodium borohydride and then dropwise at 10° with a solution of 225 ml of boron trifluoride etherate in 500 ml of 1,2-dimethoxyethane. The mixture was then stirred at room temperature for 1 hour, cautiously poured into ice/water and the crude product was filtered. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate/hexane gave pure 5-dimethylamino-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol, m.p. 138°-139°.

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