Kinetic resolution of alcohols in an asymmetric mitsunobu reaction using chiral nonracemic 1,3,2-dioxaphosphepanes

Abstract

Non-racemic chiral trivalent phosphorus derivatives 1 and 2 when employed under Mitsunobu reaction conditions, induce esterification between racemic alcohols and acids with moderate enantiospecificity (up to 39%). At the expense of high conversion, the alcohols can be obtained in high ee (> 99%).