Syntheses of [Co(bpy)3](2+) yield racemic solutions because the Δ- and Λ-enantiomers are stereochemically labile. However, crystallization and attrition-enhanced deracemization can give homochiral crystal batches of either handedness in quantitative yield. Subsequently, solvent-free oxidation with bromine vapour fixes the chirality because [Co(bipy)3](3+) does not enantiomerize in solution at ambient temperature. This combination of Viedma ripening and the labile/inert Co(II)/Co(III) couple constitutes a convenient method of absolute asymmetric synthesis.
Asymmetric Synthesis Syntheses of [Co(bpy)3]2+ yield racemic solutions because the Δ‐ and Λ‐enantiomers are stereochemically labile. However, crystallization and attrition‐enhanced deracemization can give homochiral crystal batches of either handedness in quantitative yield. Subsequently, solvent‐free oxidation with bromine vapour fixes the chirality because [Co(bipy)3]3+ does not enantiomerize in solution at ambient temperature. For more details, see the Communication by M. Håkansson et al. on
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