Parallel kinetic resolution of racemic 1-phenylethanol using quasi-enantiomeric combinations of carboxylic acids mediated by N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and 3,5-lutidine

The parallel kinetic resolution of racemic 1-phenylethanol using an equimolar combination of quasi-enantiomeric 2-arylpropionic and butanoic acids mediated by a N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC)/3,5-lutidine coupling is discussed. The levels of diastereoselectivity were high leading to separable quasi-enantiomeric esters in good yield.