Asymmetric Catalytic Synthesis of Enantiopure N-Protected 1,2-Amino Alcohols

The asymmetric aminolytic kinetic resolution (AKR) of racemic terminal epoxides using carbamates as the nucleophile catalyzed by (salen)Co^III complex provides a practical and straightforward method for the synthesis of both aliphatic and aromatic N-Boc- or N-Cbz-protected 1,2-amino alcohols in almost enantiomerically pure form (ee ≥ 99%). The AKR uses an easily accessible catalyst and inexpensive starting materials, and the reactions are conveniently carried out at room temperature under an air atmosphere.