Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid → 4-(((Benzyloxy)carbonyl)amino)butanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of benzylchloroformate (9.4 g, 5.5 mmol) in acetone (15 ml) was added dropwise to a mixture of 4-aminobutanoic acid (5.2 g, 5 mmol), sodium bicarbonate (8.6 g, 10 mmol), water (25 ml) and acetone (25 ml) causing vigorous effervescence. The solution was allowed to stir overnight. The acetone was removed using a rotary evaporator to leave an aqueous phase which was washed with ether (2×25 ml). The resulting aqueous layer was acidified to pH2 with dilute hydrochloric acid and then extracted with dichloromethane (3×50 ml). The dichloromethane extracts were combined, dried over magnesium sulphate and volatile components removed under reduced pressure to leave 4-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]butanoic acid as a white solid in a good state of purity. This material was used without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence