Enhancing the Asymmetric Hydrogenation/Desymmetrization of an Achiral Lactone in the Synthesis of (+)-Biotin
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide (+)-Biotin plays an essential role as a cofactor in many biological systems and is used to supplement the diets of humans and animals. One of the most elegant chemical production processes involves the asymmetric hydrogenation/desymmetrization of a meso -anhydride to yield the key lactone intermediate. However, relatively high catalyst loadings limit the attractiveness of this route. A number of strategies have been investigated to improve the efficiency of the hydrogenation process, and an improved two-step process has been developed, which significantly reduces the amount of expensive chiral catalyst required and pairs this with a cheap, readily available nickel catalyst, producing the key chiral lactone without a reduction in the enantioselectivity.
Institution: DSM-Firmenich AG (Switzerland)
Language: English
Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4407199102