Hydrogen Peroxide → Methyl (R)-2-(4-acetoxyphenoxy)propionate

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

54.4 g (0.48 mol) of a 30% strength solution of hydrogen peroxide in water was added dropwise to the solution of 88.93 g (0.4 mol) of methyl (R)-2-(4-acetylphenoxy)propionate in 356 g of formic acid at 35° C. over the course of 1 h. After stirring at 35° C. for 5 hours, the excess hydrogen peroxide was decomposed with 5 g of sodium sulfite. The mixture was finally concentrated under reduced pressure and subjected to a short-path distillation at 150°-160° C. under 0.5 mbar. Yield: 96% (94-95% enantiomeric excess).

Provenance & Evidence