Acetophenone → 1-Phenylethanol, (R)-

Participants

Reaction Steps

An autoclave was charged with acetophenone (1.03 Kg), isopropanol (300 g), and KOH (100 g, 10 M). Catalyst R-XylPPhos RuCl2 R-DAIPEN (150 mg) was then added, and the reaction mixture was hydrogenated at a pressure of 30 bar and a temperature of 70° C. for 12 hours. The resultant mixture was transferred into a separatory funnel. The aqueous layer was discarded. The organic layer was washed with water (200 ml) and distilled first at 100 mmHg to remove isopropanol, and then at 5-10 mmHg to provide (R)-alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol (980 g).

Provenance & Evidence