Efficient One-Step Conversion of Primary Aliphatic Amines into Primary Alcohols: Application to a Model Study for the Total Synthesis of (±)-Scopadulin

[reaction: see text] Treatment of primary aliphatic amines with KOH in diethylene glycol at 210 degrees C gives primary alcohols directly in good yields. A synthetic application to a model study of (+/-)-scopadulin is also described.