Finally a use for this stuff??
phenylalanine ---> alpha-bromo-phenyl propionic acid via Sandmeyer reaction using KBr, HBr, NaNO2 @0C (dont' know if this will work on phenylalanine)
The bromo acid derivative is converted into 2-phenyl nitro ethane via US pat 4319059.. The procedure involves stirring in DMSO with Mg2+ ion. This patent uses smaller bromo acids.. Again, not sure if this will work on THIS bromo acid..
2-phenyl nitro ethane is converted into PAA in very high yields using 1mmole nitroalkane, 3mmole NaNO2, 10mmole GAA in DMSO..
She THINKS this one is from JOC 62 234 1997 but she isn't 100% sure so don't throw a fit if she's wrong..
xoxo
Julia