Acylative Kinetic Resolution of Alcohols Using a Recyclable Polymer-Supported Isothiourea Catalyst in Batch and Flow

A polystyrene-supported isothiourea catalyst, based on the homogeneous catalyst HyperBTM, has been prepared and used for the acylative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols. A wide range of alcohols, including benzylic, allylic, and propargylic alcohols, cycloalkanol derivatives, and a 1,2-diol, has been resolved using either propionic or isobutyric anhydride with good to excellent selectivity factors obtained (28 examples, s values up to 600). The catalyst can be recovered and reused by a simple filtration and washing sequence, with no special precautions needed. The recyclability of the catalyst was demonstrated (15 cycles) with no significant loss in either activity or selectivity. The recyclable catalyst was also used for the sequential resolution of 10 different alcohols using different anhydrides with no cross-contamination between cycles. Finally, successful application in a continuous flow process demonstrated the first example of an immobilized Lewis base catalyst used for the kinetic resolution of alcohols in flow.