Solvent effect in NMR enantiomeric analysis using (S)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diol as a chiral solvating agent

The determination of the enantiomeric composition of chiral compounds by¹H,¹³C, and³¹P NMR spectroscopy in the presence of (S)-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diol demonstrates that the enantioselectivity of the method increases when the polarity of a solvent decreases as follows: CD₃OD-D₂O (4 ∶ 1) < CD₃OD < CDCl₃ < CDCl₃-CCl₄ (1 ∶ 1) < C₆D₆. The effect is caused by increase in stability of solvating agent-substrate complexes formed through the hydrogen bonds. Pantolactone, esters of substituted cyclopropanecarboxylic acids, amino alcohol propranolol, and 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphinyl)-1,1′-binaphthyl were used as the substrates.