Synthesis of (1RS, 2SR)-(±)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol from (R)-(-)-1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-propanone

Synthesis of (1RS, 2SR)-(±)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanol (2) by reductive animation of (R)-(−)-1-hydroxy-1-phenyl-2-propanone (1) using ammonia and Raney nickel as a catalyst was investigated. Compound 1 was produced by fermentation of molasses with a strain of yeast and benzaldehyde was added during the course of fermentation.