Preparation of Ally-phenylethylamines

The alpha-Si y substituted derivatives may be prepared by the Hoffman degradation reaction of the amide containing one carbon atom more than the resulting a/p/ia-allylamine derivative. 

Alternatively, a modification of the Hoffman degradation reaction may be used in which the reaction is carried out in methanol to give the intermediate methylcarbamate derivative which upon alkaline hydrolysis yields the desired alpha-d y substituted amine. 

The alpha-aMy substituted derivatives are conveniently prepared by reducing the corresponding amides with lithium aluminium hydride. 

The Hoffman degradation reaction generally is carried out by dissolving the amide in a very slight excess of cold (—5° to 5°C) aqueous hypholite solution, followed by rapid warming (30° to 70°C.) for fifteen minutes to two hours. 

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