Phenylglyoxylic acid (III) was converted to the corresponding acid chloride (IV) upon treatment with SOCl2. Subsequent coupling of (IV) with 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (I) afforded amide (V). Reduction of the ketone and amide functions of (V) by means of LiAlH4 furnished the title compound.
The title compound has been synthesized by two different methods. Condensation of 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (I) with styrene oxide (II) provided the target amino diol.