Tetrahydrofuran → 2-Amino-5-(benzyloxy)-2-(difluoromethyl)pentanenitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Under an atmosphere of nitrogen, 3-benzyloxypropyl-magnesium chloride is prepared from 1-chloro-3-benzyloxypropane (2.42 g, 13 mmol) in dry ether (13 ml) and magnesium turnings (660 mg, 26 mmol). The Grignard solution is separated from the excess of magnesium, cooled to -40° C., and a 10% solution of difluoroacetonitrile in dry THF (10 ml, 13 mmol) is added dropwise, maintaining the temperature at -40° C. After stirring at this temperature, for 30 minutes, the mixture is poured into a cold (0° C.) solution of sodium cyanide (1.27 g) and ammonium chloride (2.10 g) in water (40 ml). The mixture is stirred vigorously for 1 hour; during that time the reaction is allowed to warm up to room temperature. The organic phase is separated and extracted with 2 N HCl. Basification with concentrated ammonia (pH ~9-10), extraction with ether, drying, and evaporation gives the title compound as an oil (1.5 g).

Provenance & Evidence