Highly efficient dynamic kinetic resolution of secondary aromatic alcohols using a low-cost solid super acid as a racemization catalyst

A new, efficient dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of secondary aromatic alcohols using self-made solid super acid TiO2/SO42- as a racemization catalyst was developed. Low-cost and easily produced TiO2/SO42- showed excellent racemization activity. When coupled with the lipase, Novozym 435, good biocompatibility was observed, and optically pure aromatic acetate (>99%) was obtained with a high yield. It is noteworthy that the system could be reused more than 10 times with little loss of yield or reduction in the enantiomeric excess (ee) value of product.