Benzophenone → alpha,alpha-Diphenyl-4-pyridinemethanol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a 3-necked 500 mL RB flask fitted with a mechanical stirrer were charged 4-cyanopyridine (10.4 g, 0.1 mole) and benzophenone (18.2 g, 0.1 mole). Dry liquid ammonia was carefully added (250 mL) and the starting materials were dissolved. Sodium metal was then added (5.0 g, 0.22 mole) slowly in small pieces. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour and the ammonia allowed to evaporate. Toluene (150 mL) and water (150 mL) were then added to the residue and the resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes. The precipitated product was filtered and washed with water, giving 4-pyridyl diphenyl carbinol.

Provenance & Evidence