Ethanol → 2-Octanol

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

Into a 3 ounce glass pressure bottle are placed 173 milligrams of [Rh(norbornadiene) (iso-propylmethylphenylphosphine)2 ]BF4 ([α]D25 = +11.0° for the phosphine), 8.2 grams of 2-octanone, 5 ml absolute ethanol, and 0.12 ml water. The bottle is flushed and filled with hydrogen as in Example 1 to 43 psig hydrogen. The bottle is warmed to 75°C and the contents stirred for 3.5 hours. The reaction mass is distilled to afford almost pure 2-octanol, [α]D25 = +0.15°, optical purity = 1.5%.

Provenance & Evidence