Ruthenium and enzyme-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of alcohols

Ruthenium acts as a good catalyst for the racemization reaction of secondary alcohols and amines. Ruthenium-catalyzed racemization is coupled with enzymatic kinetic resolution to prepare chiral compounds in 100% theoretical yield. Ten ruthenium complexes (1-10) act as a good catalyst the for racemization reaction and are also compatible with DKR process. Two other ruthenium complexes [RuCl2(PPh3)(3)] and [Cp*RuCl(COD)] are active for racemization reaction but their successful compatibility with DKR has not yet been reported. Ru/gamma-Al2O3 and Ru-HAP are the heterogeneous catalysts used for the racemization reaction. They have also not been employed for DKR process. Polymer supported ruthenium is employed as a reusable racemization catalyst for aerobic DKR of alcohols. To cite this article: R. Karvembu et al., C R. Chimie 12 (2009). (C) 2008 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.