During the synthesis of β-chloro-α-phenylethanols by reduction of α-chloroacetophenones with sodium borohydride, many byproducts were produced unavoidably at relatively high temperature. Metal chlorides such as calcium, lanthanum, magnesium, manganese and zinc chloride could efficiently restrain side reactions, and so the product was obtained in high yield.

Key words: α-chloroacetophenone, metal chloride, sodium borohydride, reduction, β-chloro-α-phenylethanol