3-Chlorophenol → (+/-)-(4R* 5R*)-5-[(3-chlorophenoxy)methyl]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyrrolidin-2-one

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of (±)-(4R*,5R*)-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1-methyl-4-phenylpyrrolidin-2-one (Intermediate T prepared by Method 2, 220 mg, 1.1 mmol), PPh3 (422 mg, 1.6 mmol) and 3-chlorophenol (0.13 mL, 1.6 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added DIAD (0.31 mL, 1.6 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight, then concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography (30% EtOAc/CH2Cl2) to afford (±)-(4R*,5R*)-5-[(3-chlorophenoxy)methyl]-1-methyl-4-phenylpyrrolidin-2-one (80 mg, 23%) as a colorless oil. TLC (75% EtoAc/25% hexanes) Rf 0.29, CI m/z (rel abundance) 316 ([MH]+, 100%).

Provenance & Evidence