Succinic anhydride → 4-(4'-Methoxy-biphenyl-4-yl)-4-oxo-butyric acid

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Reaction Steps

γ,4-dihydroxy-4-biphenylbutyric acid may be prepared by treating p-methoxybiphenyl with succinic anhydride in nitrobenzene. The mixture is treated with aluminum chloride at reduced temperature. The solid is dissolved in aqueous base with heat, chilled to reprecipitate and acidified giving 4'-methoxy-γ-oxo-4-biphenylbutyric acid. This intermediate is refluxed with hydrogen bromide for several hours, diluted with water and cooled. The precipitate is 4'-hydroxy-γ-oxo-biphenylbutyric acid. This intermediate is treated with sodium borohydride in an alkaline medium and then acidified giving the desired product.

Provenance & Evidence