Lipase-catalysed kinetic resolution of hydroxymethylchromanes†
Dedicated to the Memory of Professor Raymond N. Castle
Abstract
An effective kinetic resolution of hydroxymethylchromanes racemic 2a and 3a has been achieved by means of enantioselective transesterification with vinyl acetate in organic solvents. The alcohols (-)-R-2a and (-)-S-3a were obtained with high optical purities (94 and 98% ee) in 70% and 38% yields, respectively. The influence of the enzyme source and the character of the solvent on the enantioselectivity were studied.