A Practical Synthesis of 3-n-Propylphenol, a Component of Tsetse Fly Attractant Blends

Abstract

A practical synthesis of the tsetse fly attractant 3-n-propylphenol involves the Grignard reaction of 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde and ethylmagnesium bromide affording a benzylic alcohol-type phenol derivative that upon catalytic hydrogenation gives the title product in 75% overall yield. Selection of the right solvent mixture and temperature range for the Grignard reaction is crucial for the kilogram-scale preparation of the target compound.