Resolution of enantiomers of [α-hydroxy-(o-chlorophenyl)methyl]phosphinic acid via diastereomeric salt formation with enantiopure 1-phenylethylamines

The resolution of racemic α-hydroxy-H-phosphinic acid with enantiopure 1-phenylethylamines via diastereomeric salt formation was investigated. X-Ray crystallographic analysis of the salt revealed that (R)-1-phenylethylamine to be efficient resolving agent for obtaining a single enantiomer of [α-hydroxy-(o-chlorophenyl)methyl]phosphinic acid. Resolving racemic α-hydroxy-H-phosphinic acid with (S)-2-phenylethylamine also gave access to (S)-α-hydroxyalkylphosphinic acid in good yield.

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(R)-[1-Hydroxy-(o-chlorophenyl)methyl]phosphinic acidC7H8O3ClP[α]D20=-32.2 (c 0.87, EtOH)Source of chirality: (R)-1-phenylethylamineAbsolute configuration: (R)