Ullmann dimerization of substituted methyl 3-X-1-benzothiophene-2-carboxylates 1-7 (X = Cl, Br) gave rise to the corresponding dimeric 3,3'-bi(1-benzothiophene) esters 8-13. Resolution of the title acid 20 by fractional crystallization of its mono- and bisquininium salt afforded pure (R)- and (S)-enantiomers, the optical purity and absolute configuration of which was confirmed by CD spectrometry and by X-ray crystallography. Ullmann dimerization of chiral oxazolines 23 and 24 derived from 2 proceeded without any diastereodifferentiation. Reduction of (R)- and (S)-20 afforded the corresponding (R)- and (S)-diols 29, which served as chiral ligands in a model enantioselective reduction of acetophenone. (R)- and (S)-1-phenylethan-1-ol were formed in 28 and 29% e.e., respectively.
Am I seeing double? Absolute configuration and X-ray crystallography