title: Synthesis of α-hydroxyacetophenones.
abstract: A general method for the preparation of α-hydroxyacetophenones is presented. Functionalized arylmagnesium species are transmetalated to the corresponding arylzinc intermediates, which undergo Cu(I)-catalyzed reaction with acetoxyacetyl chloride. Acidic hydrolysis of the acetate group releases the target α-hydroxyacetophenones with minimal production of undesired polymeric degradates that are often observed under alternative conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Process Research, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States. mark_mclaughlin@merck.com
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McLaughlin
authors.forename: Kevin M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Belyk
authors.forename: Gang
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Qian
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Reamer
authors.forename: Cheng-yi
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000737:chemistry; D000098:Acetophenones / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D006868:Hydrolysis; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000098:Acetophenones; D009942:Organometallic Compounds