10.1016/j.tet.2009.01.058
The study focuses on the nonenzymatic kinetic resolution of racemic 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-aryl ethanols, utilizing (R)-benzotetramisole as a catalyst. The aim was to achieve enantioselective acylation, which is crucial for obtaining chiral 1-substituted 2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanols, important intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active molecules. Various aryl-substituted ethanols were tested to evaluate the system's ability to differentiate between enantiomers, with a focus on the impact of different aryl groups on the enantioselectivity, as indicated by the s value. The study also optimized reaction conditions, including the choice of catalyst, acylating reagent, solvent, and reaction temperature, to maximize enantioselectivity and reaction efficiency. The chemicals used served specific purposes: (R)-benzotetramisole as the catalyst to facilitate the reaction, isobutyric anhydride as the acylating reagent to promote acylation, and diisopropyl ether as the solvent providing the appropriate polarity for the reaction. The study demonstrated that certain aryl groups, particularly phenyl and naphthyl groups, could yield high s values, indicating effective kinetic resolution. The research also provided preparative kinetic resolution examples to showcase the method's applicability in preparing enantiomerically pure 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-aryl ethanol derivatives.