Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of 5-Hydroxy-4-oxa-endo-tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]dec-8-en-3-ones:  A Useful Approach to D-Ring Synthons for Strigol Analogues with Remarkable Stereoselectivity

Racemic 5-hydroxy-4-oxa-endo-tricyclo[5.2.1.0^2,6]dec-8-en-3-one and its 2-methyl analogue were resolved employing a lipase-catalyzed acetylation reaction. The latter compound thus gave access to a homochiral D-ring synthon for strigolactones. The enzymatic acetylation reaction occurred with a remarkable inversion of configuration at C-5, through which it is possible to achieve a highly efficient asymmetric synthesis of 5-acetoxy-2(5H)-furanone.