Water → 1-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2-hydroxymethylcyclopentane

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Reaction Steps

10.7 g (36.3 mmols) 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2-methoxycarbonylcyclopentane prepared as described in (g) were dissolved in diethyl ether and the resulting solution was then added to a slurry of 1.5 g (36.6 mmols) lithium aluminium hydride in 50 ml diethyl ether at a rate such that reflux of the reaction mixture was maintained. Heating was continued for 5 minutes after the last addition of 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2 -methoxycarbonylcyclopentane solution. 1.25 ml water were then added, followed by 1.25 ml 15% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and a further 4 ml water. The solid was filtered off and the filtrate was then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate and flashed to give a clear oil which crystallised on cooling to give 9.6 g 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-1,2-epoxy-3,3-dimethyl-2-hydroxymethylcyclopentane as a solid. m.pt. 36°-38° C., which can be reduced to 1-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethylcyclopentane in a conventional method.

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