Simple protocol for NMR analysis of the enantiomeric purity of diols

Org Lett. 2006 May 11;8(10):1971-4. doi: 10.1021/ol0602351.

Abstract

[reaction: see text] A practically simple three-component chiral derivatization protocol for determining the enantiopurity of chiral 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-diols by (1)H NMR spectroscopic analysis is described. The method involves treatment with 2-formylphenylboronic acid and enantiopure alpha-methylbenzylamine to afford a mixture of diastereoisomeric iminoboronate esters whose ratio is an accurate reflection of the enantiopurity of the parent diol.