Dynamic thermodynamic resolution of lithiated N-Boc-N′-alkylpiperazines

Deprotonation of N-Boc-N′-alkylpiperazines with sec-BuLi in Et2O–TMEDA gave the 2-lithio derivatives which were resolved in the presence of a chiral ligand. The best ligands for the asymmetric substitution were diamino-alkoxides that promoted a dynamic thermodynamic resolution (DTR) of the organolithium at −30 °C. Electrophilic quench gave enantiomerically enriched 2-substituted piperazines. Of a selection of piperazines, the N′-t-butyl derivative gave the best results, with the product N-Boc-N′-t-butyl-2-substituted piperazines being formed with enantiomer ratios up to 81:19.