Isopropyl Acetate → (2R)-2-(hydroxymethyl)hexanoic Acid

Participants

Reaction Steps

(R)-2-Butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid (R)-α-methylbenzylammonium salt (5, 10.0 g) is dissolved in 2 N HCl (40.0 mL) and isopropyl acetate (50.0 mL) is added to the mixture. After mixing for 5 min, the organic layer is separated and the aqueous layer is extracted with isopropyl acetate (3×50.0 mL). The combined organic layers are washed with water (20.0 mL) and concentrated under vacuum (20 mbar) until no further solvent distills to afford (R)-2-butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid (1, 5.4 g, 98%); oil; [α]D+6.5 (c=1.0, CH3OH), (R):(S)=99.3:0.7.

Provenance & Evidence