Benzaldehyde → N-BENZYL-L-SERINE, METHYL ESTER

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a stirred solution of serine methyl ester hydrochloride (3.0 g, 19.28 mmol) and triethylamine (2.7 mL, 19.28 mmol) in methylene chloride (30 mL) was added benzaldehyde (1 equivalent), followed by 2 g anhydrous MgSO4. The mixture was stirred at room temperature in a sealed flask for 20 hours, and then the solids were filtered away, and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was redissolved in methanol (50 mL), and sodium borohydride (1 equivalent) was carefully added. The mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, was diluted with methylene chloride, was washed with NaHCO3, and was then dried over magnesium sulfate. The desired title product was obtained as a yellow oil and was used crude. N-4-methoxybenzyl serine methyl ester was made in a similar fashion using anisaldehyde in place of benzaldehyde.

Provenance & Evidence