Synthesis of 1-phenylethanol ...

[Technologist]

Hey guys I am hoping that someone here who has a strong organic background can help me out. Quant, phys chem, no problems ... organic on the other hand I hardly have my head above the water. Honestly I don't feel that I deserve the grades I have.

 

In the synthesis of 1-phenylethanol, we poured acetophenone into methanol. Next, we prep a solution of methanol, sodium methoxide, and sodium borohydride (in that order). Slowly poured the borohydride solution into the acetophenone/methanol mixture.

 

I know that NaBH4 is providing the hydride ions ... but why methanol? Maybe I need some sleep here or a refresher on the reduction of carbonyl groups but the answer isn't poping up at the moment.

 

Thanks!

[kingjewel1]

If i remember rightly sodium tetrahydridoborate is a selective reducer. The conditions aren't anything special for it so i don't see why you need the methanol. Unless it is that, to do with the reaction yield.

[chemistry]

Simply the polar protic solvent, you should serach this term in the index of your org. chem text.