Synthesis of enantiopure 1-arylprop-2-en-1-ols and their tert-butyl carbonates

Enantiomerically pure 1-arylpropenols 8 have been prepared by resolution of the corresponding racemates, using the lipase formulation Novozyme 435. Deprotonation of the latter alcohols with n-BuLi, followed by derivatization with (t-BuO)2CO, afforded the corresponding carbonates 5. Optimization of the process is presented.