Phenaglycodol
Phenaglycodol is a drug described as a tranquilizer or sedative which has anxiolytic and anticonvulsant properties. It is related structurally and pharmacologically to meprobamate, though it is not a carbamate.Synthesis
p-Chloroacetophenone and NaCN are reacted together to give the corresponding cyanohydrin. The cyano group is then hydrated in acid to the corresponding amide, thus p-chloroatrolactamide is formed. The amide group is then further hydrolyzed with a 2nd equivalent of water in concentrated lye to p-chloroatrolactic acid ; this is then esterified to Ethyl p-chloroatrolactate. Finally, nucleophilic addition a couple of equivalents of MeMgI are added to the ester give Phenaglycodol crystals.
