1-(Bromomethyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl)benzene → 3-[4-(Trifluoromethyl)benzyl]pyrrolidin-2-one

Participants

Reaction Steps

Using the procedure to synthesize Example 202 and using cis-1-[4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-cyclohexyl]-pyrrolidin-2-one (Preparation 17), 4-trifluoromethyl benzylbromide and 1.5 equivalents of LDA affords an oil. Chromatography (silica, 4:1 hexanes/EtoAc) yields 4-[4-tert-butyl dimethyl-silanyloxy)-cyclohexyl]-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-pyrrolidin-2-one in 39% yield. The silylether is dissolved in THF, treated with 5.0 equivalents of TBAF and allowed to stir at room temperature overnight. Quench reaction with water, dilute with methylene chloride, separate, dry over sodium sulfate, filter and evaporate. Chromatography (silica, 4:6 hexanes/EtoAc) provides the titled compound in 21% yield: Mass spectrum (API-ES positive) m/z=342.3 (M+H).

Provenance & Evidence