Efficient, scalable asymmetric synthesis of an epoxy quinol via Noyori desymmetrization of a meso diketone

by Clay, David R.; Rosenberg, Ashley G.; McIntosh, Matthias C.

Epoxy quinol la was prepared on a multi-gram scale by Noyori transfer hydrogenative desymmetrization of the readily available meso-epoxy diketone 4. Although the intrinsic enantioselectivity for the desymmetrization was modest (82:18 er at 4% conversion), a highly enantiopure product (99.6:0.4 er) could be obtained in one operation in 44% yield via kinetic resolution of the minor enantiomer with long reaction times (48 h), or in 73% yield by combination with an enzymatic resolution of a 93:7 er mixture.

Journal
Tetrahedron-Asymmetry
Volume
22
Issue
7
Year
2011
Start Page
713-716
URL
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.04.022
ISBN/ISSN
1362-511X; 0957-4166
DOI
10.1016/j.tetasy.2011.04.022