Optically Pure Aziridin-2-yl Methanols as Readily Available 1H NMR Sensors for Enantiodiscrimination of α-Racemic Carboxylic Acids Containing Tertiary or Quaternary Stereogenic Centers.

Enantiopure aziridin-2-yl methanols 3-7 are used as highly effective sensors for enantiodiscrimination of α-racemic carboxylic acids containing tertiary or quaternary stereogenic centers. A linear correlation between theoretical and observed % ee values for CSA-3 and enantiomerically enriched samples of mandelic acid has been observed, indicating the possible application of these compounds in the ee determination. The free NH and OH groups in 3-7 ensure good recognition.