Preparation of the Isoflurane Enantiomers

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00078a015

The enantiomers of the inhalation anesthetic agent, isoflurane (1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether), are prepared by a synthesis starting from 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. (R)-(+)-Dehydroabietylamine is used as the resolving agent for the racemic acid intermediate 1.The optical purities of both (S)-(+)- and (R)-(-)-isofluranes are determined to be >99percent ee (enantiomeric excess) by chiral capillary gas chromatography.