Solvent-induced dual chirality switching in the optical resolution of tropic acid via diastereomeric salt formation with (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol

Abstract

Solvent-induced chirality switching in the optical resolution of racemic tropic acid (TA) with (1R,2S)-2-amino-1,2-diphenylethanol has been demonstrated. Recrystallization of the diastereomeric salt mixture from i-PrOH or EtOH afforded the (S)-TA salt, while the (R)-TA salt was deposited from 1,4-dioxane and water-enriched alcohol solutions. Dual chirality switching was achieved by using two different types of solvents. The X-ray crystal structures of both diastereomeric salts showed that incorporation of the crystallization solvent played a crucial role in stabilizing each diastereomeric salt crystal. The mechanism of chirality switching has been discussed on the basis of the relative stability of the salt, as deduced from their structures.