J. G. Vries, G. Roelfes, R. Green
Nov 5, 1998
Citations
0
Influential Citations
22
Citations
Journal
Tetrahedron Letters
Abstract
Abstract 3-Phenylpropionic acid ( 2 ) is an intermediate for the anti-aids drug Indinavir. The one step conversion of cinnamaldehyde ( 4 ) into 2 was attempted using homogeneous ruthenium catalysts. Use of [H 2 Ru(Ph 3 P) 4 ] induced mainly decarbonylation of 4 to give styrene. Use of RuCl 3 PCy 3 gave a mixture of 2 and cinnamic acid ( 3 ). Performing the same reaction in methanol, instead of water/dimethoxyethane mixtures afforded methyl 3-phenylpropionate in 70% yield.