Deracemization by coupling electrochemically assisted racemization and asymmetric crystallization

Abstract

Amino acid derivatives of tert-leucine and phenyl glycine along with plant growth retardant and the precursor of fungicide paclobutrazol are deracemized by combining in situ electrochemical base generation to induce racemization and crystallization-induced chiral amplification in a one-pot, two-step deracemization procedure. Full enantioselective conversion (e.e. > 99%) of a mixture of enantiomers towards the desired handedness is achieved.