Convenient Preparation of Optically Pure 3‐Aryloxy‐pyrrolidines

Abstract

Chiral 3‐methanesulfonyl‐1‐Boc‐pyrrolidine and piperidine were reacted with sodium phenolates, resulting in a mixture of displacement and elimination products. Following carbamate deprotection and pH adjustment, the 3‐pyrroline and tetrahydropyridine by‐products resulting from elimination were easily removed through aqueous partitioning and/or concentration. Although the pyrrolidines were formed with a high degree of optical purity, slight racemization was observed for the piperidine case because elevated temperatures were required to effect displacement.

Keywords:

• aryl ethers
• pyrrolidines
• piperidines