Allyl bromide → alpha-Allylbenzoin methyl ether

Participants

Reaction Steps

Benzoin methyl ether (50 g) and t-butanol (500 g) were added to a 1 liter, 3-neck round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirrer, and placed in an oil bath at 80° C. To this mixture, 33.7 g of potassium t-butoxide was added and the solution stirred for 15 minutes. Allyl bromide (42.3 g) was added dropwise over a 1 hour period and stirring was continued at 85° C. for 2 more hours followed by cooling to room temperature. After evaporation of t-butanol and filtration of potassium bromide, the product was distilled at 125° C.±2° C. and 0.05 mm Hg to yield 49.2 g of α-allylbenzoin methyl ether which crystallized upon cooling.

Provenance & Evidence