Tetrahydrofuran → 2-(3-(Benzyloxy)phenyl)-2-methylpropanal

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a 15° C. solution of 325 g. (1.25 mole) of 2-(3-benzyloxyphenyl)-2-methylpropionitrile in 1.85 liters of tetrahydrofuran is added 1.6 moles of diisobutylaluminum hydride as a 1.3 M solution in hexane (reaction temperature is maintained at 15°-18° C.). The reaction mixture is allowed to warm to room temperaure and is stirred 2 hours longer. It is then quenched by addition to a solution of 170 ml. of concentrated sulfuric acid in 670 ml. of water (temperature ≤30° C.). The resultant mixture is allowed to warm to room temperature and is then stirred an additional 2 hours. The organic layer is separated and the aqueous phase extracted once with one liter of ether. The combined organic phase is washed with 500 ml. of water and 500 ml. of saturated sodium chloride, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to yield 315 g. (99%) of the title product.

Provenance & Evidence