Synthesis and stereoselective reactions of 2-(pyrrol-1-yl)alkanals and 2-(pyrrol-1-yl)alkan-1-ones

2-(2,5-Dimethylpyrrol-1-yl)alkanals, 2-(pyrrol-1-yl)alkanals, and 2-(2,5-dimethylpyrrol-1-yl)alkan-1-ones were prepared. The reactions of these compounds with Grignard and hydride reagents proceeded stereoselectively to give the corresponding 2-(pyrrol-1-yl)alcohols, which were converted into 2- amino alcohols, such as norephedrine and ephedrine, by cleavage of the pyrrole ring.