methyl (RS)-5-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-oxo-4-(2-methylphenyl)-pentanoate → methyl (RS)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxo-4-(2-methylphenyl)pentanoate

Participants

Reaction Steps

A solution of methyl (RS)-5-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)-5-oxo-4-(2-methylphenyl)-pentanoate (46 g) in methanol (250 mL), methyl acetate (250 mL) and concentrated hydrochloric acid (25 mL) is treated with palladium on carbon catalyst (5%; 1.5 g) and shaken under hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and room temperature for 2 hours. The suspension is filtered, and evaporated. The residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried and evaporated, and the residue is recrystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and cyclohexane, giving methyl (RS)-5-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-5-oxo-4-(2-methylphenyl)pentanoate as colourless crystals (21.7 g), m.p. 101-103° C.

Provenance & Evidence