Progress toward an environmentally benign synthesis of an antioxidant

CHED 845

Aaron M. Rund and George D. Bennett. Department of Chemistry, Millikin University, 1184 W. Main St., Decatur, IL 62522
For their potential health benefits, antioxidants are important targets of organic synthesis. This research reports progress toward the synthesis of (S) – 3 – (4' – hydroxyphenyl) – 2 – methoxypropanoic acid. It is part of a larger study involving the reaction of indium with benzylic halides. The key step in such syntheses involves an indium promoted addition reaction in aqueous solution. The water solvent provides a safer reaction medium. Due to its compatibility with phenols, carboxylic acids, and water, an indium promoter necessitates fewer reactions steps. Therefore, the use of water and indium follows the initiatives of green chemistry.