Kinetic resolution of racemic alpha-arylalkanoic acids with achiral alcohols via the asymmetric esterification using carboxylic anhydrides and acyl-transfer catalysts.

A variety of optically active carboxylic esters are produced by the kinetic resolution of racemic alpha-substituted carboxylic acids using achiral alcohols, aromatic or aliphatic carboxylic anhydrides, and chiral acyl-transfer catalysts. The combination of 4-methoxybenzoic anhydride (PMBA) or pivalic anhydride with the modified benzotetramisole-type catalyst ((S)-beta-Np-BTM) is the most effective for promotion of the enantioselective coupling reaction between racemic carboxylic acids and a novel nucleophile, bis(alpha-naphthyl)methanol, to give the corresponding esters with high ee's. This protocol was successfully applied to the production of nonracemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs from racemic compounds utilizing the transacylation process to generate the mixed anhydrides from the acid components with the suitable carboxylic anhydrides.