Enantioselective synthesis of (S)-timolol via kinetic resolution of terminal epoxides and dihydroxylation of allylamines

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of (S)-timolol has been described using chiral Co-salen-catalyzed kinetic resolution of less expensive (±)-epichlorohydrin with 3-hydroxy-4-(N-morpholino)-1,2,5-thiadiazole in good overall yield (55%) and excellent enantioselectivity (98%). Synthesis of (S)-timolol has also been achieved using hydrolytic kinetic resolution as well as asymmetric dihydroxylation routes in 90% ee and 56% ee, respectively.

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