Methanol → BENZYL 2-HYDROXYMETHYLBENZOATE

Participants

Reaction Steps

10.3 g (43 mmol) of benzyl 4-formylbenzoate, 50 ml of THF and 50 ml of methyl alcohol are introduced into a round-bottomed flask. While cooling in an icebath, 820 mg (21.5 mmol) of sodium borohydride are added in small portions and the mixture is stirred at room temperature for two hours. The reaction medium is poured into water, the mixture is extracted with ethyl ether and the organic phase is separated after settling has taken place, dried over magnesium sulphate and evaporated. 10.4 g (100%) of the expected product, melting point 55°-56° C., are collected.

Provenance & Evidence