The synthesis of a series of chiral secondary alcohols derived from (R)-carvone, and the stereochemical outcome of their reaction with (±)-ibuprofen, is reported. The racemic drug was transformed into the corresponding diastereomeric esters mediated by DCC/DMAP, affording up to 5.7:1 diastereomeric ratios of the esters derived from either (S)- or (R)-ibuprofen, depending on the type of chiral auxiliary employed.
ibuprofen; carvone; Steglich esterification; chiral auxiliaries; chiral secondary alcohols
