Toluene → (R)-(+)-1-Phenyl-1,3-propanediol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution of commercial (−)-(2S,3S)-2,3-epoxycinnamyl alcohol (10.0 mmol) in dimethoxyethane (50 mL) is added a 3.4 M solution of sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride (Red-Al) in toluene (10.5 mmol) dropwise under nitrogen at 0° C. After stirring at room temperature for 3 h, the solution is diluted with ether and quenched with 5% HCl solution. After further stirring at room temperature for 30 min, the white precipitate formed is removed by filtration and boiled with ethyl acetate and filtered again. The combined organic extracts are dried with magnesium sulfate and concentrated to give (R)-3-phenyl-1,3-dihydroxypropane.

Provenance & Evidence