Lipase-mediated kinetic resolution of racemic and desymmetrization of prochiral organophosphorus P-boranes

Enantiomerically enriched alkoxy(hydroxymethyl)phenylphosphine boranes were obtained via a lipase-catalyzed acetylation performed under kinetic resolution conditions. The reaction was slow and proceeded with a rather low enantioselectivity. A lipase-catalyzed acetylation of prochiral bis(2-hydroxyethyl)phenylphosphine borane resulted in its desymmetrization and gave the enantiomerically enriched monoacetyl derivative with ee up to 90%.