Oxidative Kinetic Resolution of Cyclic Benzylic Ethers

Abstract A manganese‐catalyzed oxidative kinetic resolution of cyclic benzylic ethers through asymmetric C(sp 3 )−H oxidation is reported. The practical approach is applicable to a wide range of 1,3‐dihydroisobenzofurans bearing diverse functional groups and substituent patterns at the α position with extremely efficient enantiodiscrimination. The generality of the strategy was further demonstrated by efficient oxidative kinetic resolution of another type of five‐membered cyclic benzylic ether, 2,3‐dihydrobenzofurans, and six‐membered 6H‐benzo[c]chromenes. Direct late‐stage oxidative kinetic resolution of bioactive molecules that are otherwise difficult to access was further explored.