Kinetic resolution of secondary carbinols by a chiral N,N-4-dimethylaminopyridine derivative containing a 1,1′-binaphthyl unit: Hydrogen bonding affects catalytic activity and enantioselectivity

We developed an acylative kinetic resolution of secondary carbinols using a binaphthyl-based N,N-4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) derivative 1d with tert-Alcohol substituents. The reaction proceeded with a wide range of carbinols with moderate to high selectivity (s) (up to s = 79.5). Kinetic studies revealed that catalyst 1d was more catalytically active than the corresponding bis-methyl ether 1d′ or DMAP. Hydrogen bonding between tert-Alcohols of the catalyst and secondary carbinols was responsible for the enhanced reaction rate and high enantioselectivity.