Institution: | 1. Organic Chemistry Chair I and Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;2. Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany;3. Computer Chemistry Center, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstrasse 25a, 91052 Erlangen, Germany;4. Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Sandtorstraße 1, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany |
Abstract: | Viedma deracemization is based on solution phase racemization, dissolution of racemic or scalemic conglomerates and crystal growth through autocatalytic cluster formation. With rate limiting racemization, its acceleration by appropriate catalysts may result in speeding up deracemization. A conglomerate-forming chiral compound may principally racemize directly, or via reverse of its formation reaction. For a hydrazine derivative, we investigated available racemization pathways in presence of pyrrolidine or thiourea amine as base catalysts: via Mannich or aza-Michael reaction steps and their reverse, or by enolization. Racemization by enolization was computationally found to dominate, both under water-free conditions and in presence of water, involving a multitude of different pathways. Faster racemization in presence of water resulted indeed in more rapid deracemization, when the base was pyrrolidine. Under water-free conditions, the role of water as enolization catalyst is assumed by chiral hydrazine itself – in autocatalytic racemization and in which both reactant and product are catalysts. |