(2R)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropanoic acid → (2R)-3-cyclohexyl-2-methylpropanoic acid

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Reaction Steps

A mixture of α(R)-methylbenzenepropionic acid (3.0 g, 18 mmol) and 5% rhodium on alumina (800 mg) in methanol (100 mL) was shaken under 40 p.s.i. of H2 on a Parr hydrogenation apparatus. After 15 h, the mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth and concentrated to afford α(R)-methylcyclohexanepropionic acid as a clear liquid (2.4 g, 77%). 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.62-2.53 (m, 1H), 1.79-1.59 (m, 6H), 1.38-1.16 (m, 5H), 1.17 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H), 0.95-0.83 (m, 2H).

Provenance & Evidence