Nonracemic Dimethylphenyl Glycerol Ethers in the Synthesis of Physiologically Active Aminopropanols

Abstract

Six regioisomeric nonracemic dimethylphenyl glycerol ethers were synthesized by asymmetric dihydroxylation of the corresponding allyl dimethylphenyl ethers. The enantioselectivity of the reaction with o-methyl derivatives was lower (down to 34% ee) than with m-methylphenyl ethers (up to 86% ee). Enantiomeric 3-(3,4-dimethylphenoxy)propane-1,2-diols were used to obtain enantiomerically pure physiologically active amino alcohols and their derivatives.