SYNTHESIS OF (R)-ISOPROPYLIDENE AND (S)-ISOPROPYLIDENE GLYCEROL

The preparation of (R)- and (S)-isopropylidene glycerol 1 of high enantiomeric excess (> 98%) was accomplished through salt formation between their hydrogen phthalates with and (R)-1-methylbenzylamine [MBA] respectively, selective crystallization of these salts and subsequent regeneration of optically active compounds 1 by saponification. The progress of resolution was followed by HPLC analysis on Chiralcel OJ, after converting the hydrogen phthalates into the corresponding mono methyl esters by diazomethane.