Abstract

Direct synthesis of racemic aromatic α-hydroxyacetic acid esters via Friedel-Crafts reaction of nonactivated, simple arenes with ethyl glyoxylate promoted by SnCl 4 or AlCl 3 is described. The use of SnCl 4 opens a fast access to various alkyl- and aryl-substituted mandelic acids esters at room temperature within two hours in good yield (>80%) and with high regioselectivity. The procedure was successfully employed also for the alkylation of compounds with condensed aromatic rings. Alternative hydroxyalkylations with AlCl 3 require longer reaction time and higher temperature to get a good yield.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.