The isothiourea-catalysed acylative kinetic resolution of a range of acyclic (±)-1,2-diols
using 1 mol% of catalyst under operationally simple conditions is reported. Significantly,
the bifunctional nature of (±)-1,2-diols was exploited in a sequential double kinetic
resolution, in which both kinetic resolutions operate synergistically to provide access
to highly enantioenriched products. The principles that underpin this process are
discussed, and selectivity factors for the individual kinetic resolution steps are
reported in a model system.
Key words
kinetic resolution - isothiourea - 1,2-diols - enantioselectivity - acylation