Absolute Configurations of the Inhalation Anesthetics Isoflurane and Desflurane

Abstract

A controversial assignment has been revisited by the determination of the absolute configurations of ( + )-isoflurane [(+)-1] and (+)-desflurane [(+)-2] by anomalous X-ray dispersion at −180°C. The dextrorotatory isomers should have the (S) configuration, in agreement with other findings. The consequences of this assignment are particularly important for the stereochemical course of certain enantioselective reactions.