10.1055/s-1989-27134
The research focuses on the exploration of a new route to synthesize disubstituted 2'-hydroxypropiophenones using titanium tetrachloride induced Fries rearrangement. The purpose of this study was to develop a convenient method for the synthesis of hindered dialkyl 2'-hydroxypropiophenones, which are important intermediates for pharmaceutical applications. The researchers utilized various dialkylphenyl propionates and phenols as starting materials, with titanium tetrachloride and aluminum chloride serving as catalysts to achieve the rearrangement and subsequent elimination reactions. The conclusions drawn from the study indicate that the sequential use of these reagents allowed for the synthesis of previously unknown 3',6'- and 5',6'-dialkyl-2-hydroxypropiophenones, demonstrating the effectiveness of the method in producing these compounds. The research also highlighted the importance of understanding the electronic and steric effects on the reaction outcomes, as well as the role of the catalysts in influencing the reaction pathways.