Kinetic Resolution of 1,2-Diols via NHC-Catalyzed Site-Selective Esterification

A kinetic resolution of 1,2-diols bearing both a secondary and a primary alcohol motif through an N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed oxidative acylation reaction has been developed. A site- and enantioselective esterification reaction is involved for this process. Both the monoacylated diols obtained and the remaining enantioenriched 1,2-diols are versatile building blocks for the preparation of functional molecules with proven biological activities.