Propofol → 2-(Chloromethoxy)-1,3-diisopropylbenzene

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A four-necked 500 mL round bottom flask was equipped with a mechanical stirrer, nitrogen inlet, condenser and thermometer. It was charged with 8.9 grams (0.05 moles) of 2,6-diisopropylphenol, 100 mL of THF and 4.0 grams (0.10 mole) of sodium hydroxide pellets. The resultant green suspension was heated to 60-65° C. and held for one hour. The reaction mixture was cooled to 30° C. and 100 mL (199 grams, 1.54 moles) bromochloromethane was added and heating was resumed. The reaction mixture was held at 64° C. for 2-3 hours until no more 2,6-diisopropylphenol was present as measured by GC. After cooling to 25° C., the suspension was filtered through Celite and the filter cake was washed with THF. The THF was removed by rotary evaporation and the resultant oil was distilled under vacuum (0-1 torr, b.p.=80° C.) to give 9.6 grams (0.042 moles, 85% yield) of O-chloromethyl 2,6-diisopropyl phenol.

Provenance & Evidence