Benzyl Alcohol to Beta-Phenylethyl Alcohol

[Elementary]

Here's an interesting patent.

Patent US4158100

Abstract :

beta -Phenylethyl alcohol is prepared by the homologation of benzyl alcohol with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a cobalt catalyst promoted with ruthenium and iodine compounds, in the presence of water at a temperature from 100 DEG to 165 DEG C. High yields and selectivity of the beta -phenylethyl alcohol are obtained.


The patents also refers to the conversion of methanol to ethanol via simular techniques (bootleggers wetdream !)

The only thing that puts a bummer on the reaction is the high pressures needed.
Don't cry for me I'm the cleaner

[PrimoPyro]

I wonder what (if anything) prevents polyadditions from occurring, causing the formed phenethanol to add to CO to form phenylpropanol, etc?

                                                 PrimoPyro
Vivent Longtemps La Ruche! How's my posting? Call 1-800-EAT-SHIT