methyl (2R)-2-phenylmethoxypropanoate

Conditions: temp:0.00; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: A mixture of (R)-methyl 2-(benzyloxy)propanoate (1 g, 5.15 mmol), hydrazine monohydrate (250 ul) in MeOH (14 mL) was refluxed 3 hours. Solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was purified on silica gel. Elution with EtOAc yielded title compound (640 mg, 64%). was refluxed 3 hours Solvent was removed under reduced pressure the residue was purified on silica gel Elution with EtOAc

Conditions: temp:50.01; pressure:0.00; stir:; See reaction.notes.procedure_details.

Procedure: At −30° C., benzyl bromide (9.86 g) and 60% sodium hydride (2.11 g) were dissolved in a mixed solution of dimethyl formamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) (50 mL, 3:2 volume ratio). (R)-Methyl lactate (5.0 g, 99% ee) was added to the solution. At the same temperature, the resultant mixture was stirred for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and further at 50° C. for 30 minutes. Water and diisopropyl ether were added to the reaction mixture, and the organic layer was washed with water and then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate. After the solvent was distilled off, the resultant residue was subjected to chromatography on a silica gel column to afford the title compound as a yellow oil (8.87 g, 92.1% ee). the organic layer was washed with water dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate After the solvent was distilled off