Benzyl Alcohol → 2-(Benzyloxy)propanoic acid

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

An alternate method for the preparation of ether compounds corresponding to Formula I (R=alkyl, phenylalkyl) follows. Sodium metal (about 12 g) was added cautiously to a stirred cold (ice bath) portion (250 mL) of benzyl alcohol. After most of the sodium metal had dissolved, the reaction was heated to 150° C. 2-Chloropropionic acid (27.2 g, 0.25 mole) was added dropwise in 35 mL of benzyl alcohol and the resulting mixture heated on additional 3 hours. Concentration in vacuo gave crude 2-benzyloxypropionic acid which was used without further purification.

Provenance & Evidence