An improved synthesis and resolution of cis- and trans-2,3-diphenyl morpholines

An improved procedure for the synthesis of cis- and trans-2,3-diphenyl morpholines with good overall yield is described. The stereoisomers were efficiently resolved through the corresponding diastereomeric salts using tartaric acid and (R)-mandelic acid.

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(2S,3R)-2,3-DiphenylmorpholineC16H17NOEe >99%[α]D25=+76.4 (c 2.59, CHCl3)Source of chirality: resolutionAbsolute configuration: (2S,3R)

(2R,3R)-2,3-DiphenylmorpholineC16H17NOEe >99%[α]D25=+102 (c 2, CHCl3)Source of chirality: resolutionAbsolute configuration: (2R,3R)