The kinetic resolution of 13 racemic aliphatic 1,2-diols (rac-1a-m) by means of a lipase-catalyzed sequential acetylation was investigated. The enantioselectivity of the 3-aryloxy-propane-1,2-diols rac-1a-k depends on the substitution pattern at the aryl ring.
Kinetic resolution of acyclic 1,2-diols using a sequential lipase-catalyzed transesterification in organic solvents
A method for the kinetic resolution of 3-(aryloxy)-1,2-propanediols rac-1a-n without additional protection-deprotection steps using a lipase-catalyzed sequential transesterification with lipase amnno PS has been developed. In the first step of this one-pot procedure the racemic 1,2-diols are acylated regioselectively at the primary hydroxy group without enantioselection. The subsequent acylation at the secondary hydroxy group of the formed primary monoacetate is responsible for high enantioselection. The enantioselectivity of this transformation depends significantly on the substitution pattern of the aryl ring and the organic solvent used. 3-(Aryloxy)-1,2-propanediols with substituents in the para-position show a much higher enantioselectivity than the corresponding derivatives with ortho-substituents. Among other substrates, the pharmaceuticals Mephenesin, Guaifenesin, and Chlorphenesin have been resolved. The replacement of the aryloxy by alkyl substituent causes a dramatic decrease of enantioselectivity.
Lipase-catalysed resolution of 3-(aryloxy)-1,2-propanediol derivatives — Towards an improved active site model of Pseudomonas cepacia lipase (amano PS)
A variety of 3-(aryloxy)-1,2-propanediol derivatives with different substituents on the aromatic ring or at the primary hydroxy group were used as substrates in a kinetic resolution by transesterification with vinyl acetate catalysed by lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia (Amano PS). Derivatives with substituents in the para-position of the aromatic ring were accepted as substrates and resolved with high enantioselectivity. The corresponding derivatives with substituents in the ortho-position were much worse substrates for lipase PS or even non-substrates if the substituent was sufficiently space-filling as found for the tert-butyl, phenyl, benzyl or benzoyl residue. Otherwise, if the primary hydroxy group was substituted by unbranched long-chain acyl residues very good substrates were resulting. In contrast, derivatives with sterically crowded residues at the primary hydroxy group such as the pivaloyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, methanesulfonyl, para-toluenesulfonyl or trityl groups were nonsubstrates for lipase PS.