Air-stable racemization catalysts for the dynamic kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols

Abstract

The substitution of a carbonyl ligand with PPh3 in cyclopentadienylruthenium dicarbonyl complexes produces a new class of recyclable alcohol racemization catalysts. The catalysts are active at room temperature under aerobic conditions in the presence of silver oxide. Furthermore, the catalysts are compatible with the use of a lipase and isopropenyl acetate for the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of secondary alcohols under ambient conditions.