Optimized Synthetic Route for Enantioselective Preparation of (S)-Metolachlor from Commercially Available (R)-Propylene Oxide

An enantioselective preparation of ( S )-metolachlor has been accomplished. The synthetic route featured the asymmetric preparation of chiral intermediates and the final ( S )-metolachlor from commercially available ( R )-propylene oxide and a key Fukuyama’s process. The key steps, control points, separation purifications, and the whole process are optimized, and the target compound has been successfully prepared in five steps in 51–55% overall yield with excellent enantioselectivity (99% ee) up to a 30 g scale. By judicious choice of synthetic route and selection of starting materials and intermediates, no column chromatographic methods are needed for the separation and purification of the intermediates and the final products. The same strategy was extended as a general method for a series of pesticides and herbicide analogs of Metalaxyl-M and Dimethenamid-P.