Synthesis of (S)-(+)-2-(N-benzylamino)butan-1-ol from its Schiff Base by Catalytic Hydrogenation over Palladium

A chiral 1,2-amino alcohol derivative, (S)-(+)-2-(N-benzylamino)butan-1-ol (BAB), was synthesized from its Schiff base by catalytic hydrogenation over palladium on carbon, in various solvents (toluene, methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate), under mild conditions (room temperature, atmospheric pressure). Preparation of the Schiff base was also optimized. This compound is a resolving agent for preparing optically active, practically important cyclopropanecarboxylic acids.