In this preparation, phenyl-2-nitropropene is reduced to phenyl-2-nitropropane with NaBH 4 in methanol, followed by hydrolysis of the nitro group with hydrogen peroxide and potassium carbonate, a variety of the Nef reaction. The preparation is a one-pot synthesis, without isolation of the intermediate.

Phenethyl alcohol is a minor constituent of oils obtained by steam distillation of the oil from the flowers. Uncle Fester in Secrets of Methamphetamine Manufacture covers several phenylacetone methods in detail. Following is a survey of methods employed for phenylacetone preparation to demonstrate their diversity.

Phenylacetone and its derivatives ("phenylacetones" hereinbelow) are useful as intermediates for various agricultural chemicals and pharmaceutical preparations.

There are a myriad of ingenious methods of making phenylacetone – some starting with phenylacetic acid, some with benzyl chloride, and dozens of others. This FAQ will concern itself with producing this lovely stuff from halobenzenes (i.e. chlorobenzene, bromobenzene, and iodobenzene), and acetone enolates – made by reacting acetone with a ...

The preparation of phenylacetone from phenylacetic acid and acetic anhydride is described. A mixture of reactants with alkali acetate and copper sulphate is refluxed, extracted, decanted and distilled, giving the pure product in a minimum 50% yield.