Kinetic resolution of d,l-myo-inositol derivatives catalyzed by chiral Cu(II) complex

Kinetic resolution of d,l-myo-inositol derivatives having a 1,2-diol functionality by monobenzoylation was achieved using (R,R)-Ph-BOX-Cu(II) as a catalyst. The monobenzoylation preferentially took place at the 1,2-diol functionality via a highly enantiodiscriminatory process, which was largely influenced by a substituent at the position adjacent to the 1,2-diol functionality. This method was applied to a synthesis of biologically important d-inositol-1-phosphate.