Chiral drugs related to guaifenesin: synthesis and phase properties of methocarbamol and mephenoxalone

The muscle relaxant methocarbamol 2 and tranquilizer mephenoxalone 3, as well as intermediate cyclic carbonate 4, have been prepared in enantiopure form by starting from enantiopure guaifenesin 1 easily available by an entrainment resolution procedure. Thermal investigations reveal that 2 is probably a conglomerate forming substance, 3 forms a stable racemic compound, and 4 occupies an intermediate position. The enantiomeric excess of a binary phase eutectic point for these substances comprises 0%, 85%, and 10%, respectively.