A method of synthesizing highly optically enriched &agr;-halo-esters comprises reacting acid halides with a cinchona alkaloid catalyst and a base to form intermediate ketenes. The ketenes are reacted with electrophilic halogenating reagents to produce &agr;-halo-esters with high enantiomeric excess. The base can be an inorganic salt. The thus-formed &agr;-halo-esters have utility in synthesizing other optically-pure materials.
合成高度光学纯度的α-卤酸酯的方法包括将酸卤与
奎宁生物碱催化剂和碱反应,形成中间体酮烯。然后将酮烯与亲电卤化试剂反应,产生具有高对映体过量的α-卤酸酯。碱可以是
无机盐。这样形成的α-卤酸酯在合成其他光学纯度材料方面具有用途。