Question

What type of chemical reactions occur in the synthesis of Albuterol (Salbutamol)? Can you please give a detailed explanation. Thank you!

Answer 1

The first step is simply an esterification step where we convert a phenol derivative to the corresponding acetate ester. In the next step, the acetate ester undergoes Friedel-Craft’s acylation reaction to give a p-keto compound. The hydroxyl group is converted to ester since phenols are highly reactive toward Friedel Craft’s reaction. The p-keto compound undergoes an alpha halogenation reaction to give an alpha bromo ketone which is then converted to the amino compound. LiAlH₄ reduces all the reducible groups to give Salbutamol.