A convenient synthesis of 2-phenylglycerol

1,3-Dihydroxyacetone dimer is treated with trimethylsilyl chloride and triethylamine in dichloromethane to provide monomeric ketone having both of its alcohols protected as their di-TMS ethers. The latter is added to phenylmagnesium bromide in ether at -78 degrees C. Work-up by treatment with aqueous ammonium chloride followed by 2 N HCl provides 2-phenylglycerol in 70% yield.