Synthesis and spontaneous resolution by crystallization of R,S-(±)-dimethyl(1-methyl-2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)sulphonium bromide. X-Ray structure and absolute configuration of the R-enantiomer

Abstract

R,S-(±)-Dimethyl(1-methyl-2-oxo-2-phenylethyl)sulphonium bromide (3a), obtained from 1-phenylpropanone by bromination with t-buty bromide–dimethyl sulphoxide and further reaction with dimethyl sulphide, undergoes spontaneous resolution of its two enantiomers upon crystallization, as demonstrated by a single crystal X-ray analysis and assignment of absolute configuration (R).