The synthesis of phenolic propane-1, 2- and 1,3-diols as intermediates in immobilised chelatants for the borate anion

Abstract

The isomeric 3-(hydroxyphenyl)propane-1, 2-diols have been synthesised from allylic precursors by epoxidation and cleavage. Several different methods have been examined for obtaining 1-(methoxyphenyl)propane-1, 3-diols. 2-(methoxyphenyl)propane-1, 3-diols and certain hydroxy analogues have been obtained from benzaldoximes converted by oxidation to methoxy- and benzyloxynitromethylbenzenes followed by hydroxymethylation with formaldehyde and catalytic hydrogenation.