Covalent versus non-covalent (biocatalytic) approaches for enantioselective sulfoxidation catalyzed by corrole metal complexes

Abstract

Oxidation of thioanisoles, catalyzed by chiral manganese(III) and iron(III) corroles, provides the corresponding sulfoxides in moderate chemical yields and low enantioselectivities. Biocatalysis by non-chiral albumin-associated manganese(III) corroles proceeds much better and allows for the enantioselective synthesis of the pharmacologically important R-modafinil, in 88% yield and 73% ee.