Benzophenone → Benzhydrol

Participants

Reaction Steps

1.8 g of benzophenone (10 mmol) and 45 ml of 2-propanol are introduced into a 100 ml flask under argon atmosphere. The system is heated under reflux. 2.5 ml of a 0.1 M solution of NaOH in 2-propanol and 2 ml of a 2-propanol solution containing the catalyst (10) (1.8 mg, 0.0025 mmol) are added. The molar ratios of benzophenone/catalyst/NaOH are equal to 4000/1/100. 1H NMR analysis of the mixture shows that the reaction is complete after 30 minutes. By evaporating the solvent, a colourless residue is obtained which is extracted with 30 ml of diethyl ether. This solution is then passed through a silica filled column to remove the catalyst and sodium hydroxide. The filtrate is dried by adding Na2SO4 and, after filtering and removal of the solvent, the benzhydrol is recovered and then dried under reduced pressure (10−2 mmHg).

Provenance & Evidence