Structure-enantioselectivity effects in 3,4-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b]-benzothiazole-based isothioureas as enantioselective acylation catalysts

The catalytic activity and enantioselectivity in the kinetic resolution of (+/-)-1-naphthylethanol with a range of structurally related 3,4-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b]benzothiazole-based catalysts is examined. Of the isothiourea catalysts screened, (2S,3R)-2-phenyl-3-isopropyl substitution proved optimal, giving good levels of selectivity in the kinetic resolution of a number of secondary alcohols (S values up to > 100 at similar to 50% conversion). Low catalyst loadings (0.10-0.25 mol%) of the optimal isothiourea can be used to generate enantiopure alcohols (>99% ee) in good yields.