An alternative synthesis of ()-phenylephrine hydrochloride

This study presents alternative synthetic pathways and reagents for the preparation of racemic phenylephrine hydrochloride. Using m-hydroxybenzaldehyde as starting material, two separate pathways __ epoxidation and bromohydrin formation __ are presented. Both routes provide good yields (overall of 71% and 66% respectively) and can be performed at mild conditions.