Palladium Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidative Kinetic Resolution of Secondary Alcohols Based on Mechanistic Insight

The oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols has been accomplished using 1:1 complexes of PdCl2 and N-heterocyclic carbenes. In
these reactions, both achiral and chiral carbene ligands are used in conjunction with the chiral base (−)-sparteine. A general synthesis of 1:1
PdCl2−carbene complexes has been developed and is amenable to a wide range of carbene ligands. The potential of these complexes in
aerobic oxidations is highlighted by the use of a chiral Pd(II) complex and the chiral base (−)-sparteine to enhance the kinetic resolution of
a racemic alcohol.