Akira Kasahara

Synthesis of [2]paracyclo[2]paracyclo[2] (1,1') ferrocenophane derivatives.

[2]Paracyclo[2]paracyclo[2](1,1′)ferrocenophane derivatives having olefinic or acetylenic bonds and aromatic rings were synthesized by intramolecularly titanium-induced reductive coupling of carbonyl compounds. The transannular π-electronic interactions between two olefinic or acetylenic bonds and two benzene rings were examined on the basis of electronic spectra.

Enzymatic kinetic resolution of flavanone and cis-4-acetoxyflavan

The microbial, asymmetric reduction of flavanone with fermenting bakers′ yeast led to the formation of (2S,4S)-(+)-cis-4-hydroxyflavan and (2R)-(+)-flavanone. The kinetic resolution of racemic cis-4-acetoxyflavan with lipase PS yields (2R, 4R)-(–)-cis-4-hydroxyflavan, and the (2S,4S)-(+)-enantiomer remains as the acetate.