1-Phenylethanol, (R)- → (αR)-α-Methylcyclohexanemethanol

Participants

Reaction Steps

An autoclave was charged with (R)-alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol (980 g, synthesized as above) and isopropanol (100 g). Catalyst RuO2.H2O (0.2 g) was then added, and the reaction mixture was hydrogenated at a pressure of 20 bar and a temperature ranging from 70 to 80° C. for 4 hours. The catalyst was filtered. The organic layer was distilled first at 100 mmHg to remove isopropanol, and then at 5-10 mmHg to provide (R)-1-cyclohexylethanol (913 g) (optical rotation: [α]D−4.31°; optical purity: 83.3% ee).

Provenance & Evidence