Base-Free Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols Using “Piano-Stool” Complexes of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

Abstract

“Piano-stool” complexes of rhodium and iridium activated by fluorinated and non-fluorinated N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands were shown to be catalysts for racemization in the one-pot chemoenzymic dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of secondary alcohols. Excellent conversions and good enantioselectivities were observed for alkyl aryl and dialkyl secondary alcohols.