Stereochemical Inversion of (R)-5-Hydroxymethyl-3-tert-butyl-2-oxazolidinone or (R)-5-Hydroxymethyl-3-isopropyl-2-oxazolidinone to the Corresponding (S)-Isomer

Abstract

The Stereochemical inversion of (R)-5-hydroxymethyl-3-tert-butyl-2-oxazolidinone (1a) or (R)-5-hydroxymethyl-3-isopropyl-2-oxazohdinone (1b) to the corresponding (S)-isomer was accomplished via a key intermediate, (R)-3-N-ethoxycarbonyl-N-tert-butylamino-1, 2-epoxypropane (5a) or (R)-3-N-ethoxycarbonyl-N-isopropylamino-1, 2-epoxypropane (5b), in a high enantiomeric excess. (S)-1a (99% e.e.) or (S)-1b (97% e.e.) was thus obtained from the respective (R)-isomer (1a; 99% e.e., 1b; 95% e.e.).