Water → 4,4-Bis(Hydroxymethyl)Biphenyl

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

In a 1000 ml three-necked flask, fitted with an efficient condenser, a thermometer and a dropping funnel, is placed a suspension of 6,2 g (0.144 mol) LiAlH4 in 80 ml dry THF under an inert atmosphere. A solution of 30 g (0.122 mol) dimethyl 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate in 250 ml dry THF is added dropwise over a period of 30 minutes. The mixture is refluxed with stirring for 1 hour. The mixture is cooled to -20° C. and 80 ml of H2O is added dropwise, followed by slow addition of 80 ml of 20% H2SO4 (aq.). The THF is evaporated under reduced pressure to give a suspension of colourless product in aqueous acid. The product is filtered and washed with H2O. After recrystallisation from aceton, white crystals are obtained. Yield: 93%; melting point: 187.3° C.-188.5° C.

Provenance & Evidence