Oxidative Kinetic Resolution of Cyclic Benzylic Ethers.

A manganese-catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution of cyclic benzylic ethers through asymmetric C(sp3 )-H oxidation is reported. The practical approach is applicable to a wide range of 1,3-dihydroisobenzofurans bearing diverse functional groups and substituent patterns at the α position with extremely efficient enantiodiscrimination. The generality of the strategy was further demonstrated by efficient oxidative kinetic resolution of another type of five-membered cyclic benzylic ether, 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans, and six-membered 6H-benzo[c]chromenes. Direct late-stage oxidative kinetic resolution of bioactive molecules that are otherwise difficult to access was further explored.