Titanium-catalyzed tandem sulfoxidation-kinetic resolution process: A convenient method for higher enantioselectivities and yields of chiral sulfoxide

A one-pot, titanium-catalyzed tandem sulfoxidation-kinetic resolution process, which combines asymmetric oxidation (at lower temperature) and kinetic resolution (at room temperature), has been developed. Excellent ees (up to > 99.9%) and higher chemical yields of sulfoxides were obtained and the results compared favorable with those from either oxidation or kinetic resolution.