Dynamic kinetic resolution of homoallylic alcohols: application to the synthesis of enantiomerically pure 5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones and δ-lactones.

Dynamic kinetic resolution of various homoallylic alcohols with the use of Candida antarctica lipase B and ruthenium catalyst 2 afforded homoallylic acetates in high yields and with high enantioselectivity. These enantiopure acetates were further transformed into homoallylic acrylates after hydrolysis of the ester function and subsequent DMAP-catalyzed esterification with acryloyl chloride. After ring-closing metathesis 5,6-dihydropyran-2-ones were obtained in good yields. Selective hydrogenation of the carboncarbon double bond afforded the corresponding δ-lactones without loss of chiral information.

Mechanistic aspects on cyclopentadienylruthenium complexes in catalytic racemization of alcohols.

Cyclopentadienylruthenium complexes commonly serve as efficient transition metal catalysts in the racemization of alcohols. The combination of the racemization reaction with enzymatic resolution leads to dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR). In DKR, a theoretical yield of 100% is possible, making it a powerful tool for enantioselective synthesis. In this Account, we summarize the most important mechanistic aspects of racemization of alcohols reported over the past decade based on both experimental and computational results. Precatalyst activation is often necessary, either by heating the reaction or by adding an alkoxide-type base. The subsequent alcohol-alkoxide exchange is rapid and introduces the substrate into the catalytic cycle. This exchange requires a free coordination site, which may be created via several different mechanisms. Following alkoxide formation, racemization occurs via ß-hydride elimination and subsequent readdition. In cyclopentadienyldicarbonylruthenium alkoxide complexes, which are 18-electron complexes, researchers originally considered two mechanisms for the creation of the free coordination site required for ß-hydride elimination: a change in hapticity of the cyclopentadienyl ligand from η5 to η3 and dissociation of a CO ligand. Based on computational and experimental results, we have found strong support for the pathway involving CO dissociation. Researchers had also wondered if the substrate remains coordinated to the metal center (the inner-sphere mechanism) during the hydrogen transfer step(s). Using competition and crossover experiments, we found strong evidence for an inner-sphere mechanism. In summary, we have obtained a detailed picture of the racemization of alcohols by cyclopentadienylruthenium catalysts, leading to the development of more efficient catalytic systems for racemization.

Enantioselective route to ketones and lactones from exocyclic allylic alcohols via metal and enzyme catalysis.

A general and efficient route for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure α-substituted ketones and the corresponding lactones has been developed. Ruthenium- and enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) with a subsequent Cu-catalyzed α-allylic substitution are the key steps of the route. The α-substituted ketones were obtained in high yields and with excellent enantiomeric excess. The methodology was applied to the synthesis of a naturally occurring caprolactone, (R)-10-methyl-6-undecanolide, via a subsequent Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.

CO dissociation mechanism in racemization of alcohols by a cyclopentadienyl ruthenium dicarbonyl catalyst.

(13)CO exchange studies of racemization catalyst (η(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)Cl and (η(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)(Ot-Bu) by (13)C NMR spectroscopy are reported. CO exchange for the active catalyst form, (η(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)(Ot-Bu) is approximately 20 times faster than that for the precatalyst (η(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)Cl. An inhibition on the rate of racemization of (S)-1-phenylethanol was observed on addition of CO. These results support the hypothesis that CO dissociation is a key step in the racemization of sec-alcohols by (η(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)Cl, as also predicted by DFT calculations.

Unexpected formation of a cyclopentadienylruthenium alkoxycarbonyl complex with a coordinated C=C bond.

Reaction of (eta(5)-Ph(5)C(5))Ru(CO)(2)(Ot-Bu) with 5-hexen-2-ol produces two diastereomers of an alkoxycarbonyl complex having the double bond coordinated to ruthenium. The complexes were characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and in situ FT-IR measurements. The (13)C NMR carbonyl peaks of the complexes appear at 203.48, 203.55, and 204.0 ppm in a ratio of 1:1:2. IR peaks for CO and acyl were detected at 1982 (CO) and 1644 (acyl) cm(-1).