Synthesis of chiral α-aryl-α-hydroxyacetic acids: Substituent effects in pig liver acetone powder (PLAP) induced enantioselective hydrolysis

Abstract

Pig liver acetone powder (PLAP) catalyzed hydrolysis of alkyl α-acetoxy-α-arylacetates produces alkyl (S)-α-aryl-α-hydroxyacetates in 23-80% enantiomeric purities. Enantioselectivity is dependent on the ester group of O-acetylmandelates. Substitution on the aromatic ring results in inferior selectivities. Only acetate group is hydrolyzed by PLAP while the ester functionality is found to be completely intact. © 1995.