Modes of Xanthine Complexation to Dirhodium Tetrakis[(R)-α-methoxy-α- (trifluoromethyl)-phenylacetate] in Solution and in the Solid State

Abstract

Abstract It is show n by IR and NMR studies that the xanthines 1-5 prefer a side-on com plexation to the chiral dirhodium tetrakis[(R)-α-methoxy-α-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetatel (Rh*) in solution whereas carbonyl groups are involved in the solid state. For 6, at least the carbonyl group C-6 contributes to complexation in solution as well. A lternating strands of 6 and Rh* exist in the solid state as revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis described in detail. The determination of enantiomeric excess of the chiral xanthine 6 can easily be accomplished by the “dirhodium method ” (1H and 13C NMR in the presence of Rh*).