Synthesis and extraction properties of some lariat ethers derived from the spontaneously resolved guaifenesin, 3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol

Abstract

Capable of spontaneous resolution rac-3-(2-methoxyphenoxy)propane-1,2-diol, guaifenesin 1 has been proposed as a cheap and readily available enantiopure precursor for the synthesis of nonracemic crown ethers having ligating OAr and OMe arms (lariat ethers). The crowns studied failed to form stable host/guest complexes with amine hydrochloride salts; the effective complexation was achieved using hexafluorophosphate salts. Moderate enantiomeric recognition of R*NH2·HPF6 was achieved with the lariat ethers 11c. As a whole, the enantioselectivity of the extraction is inversely related to the extractive power of the lariat ether. © ARKAT-USA, Inc.