Kinetic Resolution of dl-Hydrobenzoins Catalyzed by Copper(II) Complexes of C 2-Symmetric Thiophene-Derived Ligands

Abstract

C2 symmetrical chiral amino alcohol ligands with a central thiophene moiety have shown to be effective in combination with CuCl2 in the asymmetric acylation of dl-hydrobenzoins. In contrast to previously developed chiral ligands, readily available acetyl chloride and acetic anhydride can be used as reagents in addition to the benzoyl chloride giving rise to the corresponding monoacylated products in up to 99 %ee (S = 532).