A simple two-step synthesis of 2-(alkylamino)-1-arylethanols, including racemic adrenaline, from aromatic aldehydes via 5-aryloxazolidines

Benzaldehydes react smoothly with nonstabilized azomethine ylides, generated in situ from sarcosine/formaldehyde or N-(methoxymethyl)-N-(trimethylsilylmethyl)benzylamine, to give 5-aryloxazolidines as intermediates. These were converted into 2-(alkylamino)-1-arylethanols in good yields by simple heating in methanol with hydrochloric acid, or by treatment with hydrazine hydrate in ethanol.