Methyl phenylglyoxalate → Methyl (R)-(-)-mandelate

Participants

Reaction Steps

The cross-linked Ir cluster composition obtained in Example 10 (14.4 mg, 0.01 mmole), methyl benzoyl formate (164.2 mg, 1.0 mmole), (−) cinchonidine (3.8 mg, 0.013 mmole) and toluene (5 ml) were mixed in an autoclave and agitated for five hours at room temperature in a hydrogen atmosphere at 50 atmospheres pressure. The cross linked Ir cluster composition was removed by filtration after the reaction. The filtrate was concentrated, and the residue was purified using PTLC to obtain (R)-methyl mandelate (147.1 mg, 88.5% yield). The asymmetric yield was 47.1% ee.

Provenance & Evidence