Scheme 2

Synthesis of (±)-α hydroxy stearate. a) PBr3, Br2, 95°C, 6 h; b) 2 M NaOH, 85°C, 2 h; c) Et3N, BnBr, TBAI, toluene, reflux 12 h.
Synthesis of (±)-α hydroxy stearate. a) PBr3, Br2, 95°C, 6 h; b) 2 M NaOH, 85°C, 2 h; c) Et3N, BnBr, TBAI, toluene, reflux 12 h.