A direct, stereoselective synthesis of optically active conhydrines

Abstract

Abstract 2‐Pyridylethylcarbinol (I) has been resolved and the antipodes hydrogenated as free bases. The (+) form gave (+) conhydrine (II) while the (‐) form afforded the levorotatory base stereoselectively with minor contamination of the other epimer. Hydrogenation of racemic I as well as of 2‐pyridyl ethyl ketone in acid solution led formerly to the mixture of both racemates.