Formaldehyde → (2S)-2-[benzyl(methyl)amino]propanoic acid

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Reaction Steps

The N-benzylalanine (1), (67 g, 0.374 mole) was taken up in formic acid (41 mL, 88%) and formaldehyde (37 mL, 38%) added. The resulting solution was heated on a steam bath for 11/2 hours. After this period the clear solution was cooled and as much of the solvent as possible removed under reduced pressure. Removal of the water was aided by co-evaporation with methanol. To the residual oil was added methanol (200 mL) and the solution diluted with ether yielding the product as a fine white powder, 63.7 g (88%).

Provenance & Evidence