On the lipase-catalyzed resolution of functionalized biaryls

The implementation of lipase catalysis as a tool for the preparation of optically active biaryls is discussed. While attempts toward dynamic kinetic resolution based on the catalytic ring opening of configurationally unstable biaryl lactones were fruitless, kinetic resolution via transesterification of hydroxymethyl-decorated substrates was successfully employed in the generation of optically enriched, axially chiral biaryls.