Benzene → alpha-{1-Methyl-1-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-ethyl}benzenemethanol

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Reaction Steps

A solution of 6.6 g. (0.03 mole) of α-(1-amino-1-methylethyl)benzenemethanol and 4.8 g. (0.03 mole) of phenylacetaldehyde in 75 ml. benzene is refluxed for 1 hour while 0.7 ml. of water separates in a Dean-Stark trap. The infrared absorption spectrum showed absence of the C=O function and the presence of a C=N function at 1650 cm-1. The solvent is removed in vacuo. The residue of the imino derivative was taken up with 60 ml. of methanol and 1.6 g. of KBH4 is added with stirring at 20°-25° C. After 20 hours, the solution is evaporated in vacuo. The residue is taken up with cold water, and the resulting crystalline product (6.8 g., 85% crude yield, m.p. 103°-104° C.) is collected by filtration. Recrystallization from methanol gives pure α-{1-methyl-1-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-ethyl}benzenemethanol as white crystals, m.p. 105°-106° C.

Provenance & Evidence