Selective Reduction of 2-[(Benzoyl)oxy]benzaldehydes without Intramolecular Transesterification
作者:Coleen Pugh
DOI:10.1021/ol005799y
日期:2000.5.1
NaBH4 reduction of 2,5-bis[(4'-(n-alkoxy)benzoyl)oxy]benzaldehydes produces primarily the rearranged phenol, which does not generate liquid crystalline phases when laterally attached to a polymer backbone. Rearrangement is prevented by quenching the intermediate benzyl alkoxide with a weak acid. For example, 2,5-bis[(4'-(methoxy)benzoyl)oxy]benzaldehyde is selectively reduced to 2,5-bis[(4'-(methoxy)benzoyl)oxy]benzyl alcohol with less than 5% intramolecular transesterification using 2-3 equiv of NaBH4 in the presence of 20-30 equiv of acetic acid (1:10 NaBH4/AcOH).