Synthesis 2009(4): 557-560  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1083319
PAPER
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Highly Regioselective Preparation of 1,3-Dioxolane-4-methanol Derivatives from Glycerol Using Phosphomolybdic Acid

Nitin Wasantrao Fadnavis*, Reddipalli Gowrisankar, Gadupudi Ramakrishna, Mithilesh Kumar Mishra, Gurrala Sheelu
Biotransformations Laboratory, Discovery Block, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Habsiguda, Hyderabad 500007, India
Fax: +91(40)27160512; e-Mail: fadnavis@iict.res.in; e-Mail: fadnavisnw@yahoo.com;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 12 September 2008
Publication Date:
09 January 2009 (online)

Abstract

Phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) forms a blue-colored complex with glycerol in a 1:10 molar ratio. The glycerolato complex catalyzes conversion of glycerol into 1,3-dioxolane-4-meth­anol derivatives with complete regiospecificity in high yields (>95%) and the catalyst can be recycled up to ten times without loss of activity or regiospecificity.