Enzyme-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution for the Asymmetric Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Esters and Evaluation of Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Utilizing enzymes as biocatalysts, an alternative strategy has been developed for the highly enantioselective synthesis of chiral 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2,3-DHB) esters via the dynamic kinetic resolution of 2,3-dihydro-3-benzofuranols, which are generated from an intramolecular Aldol reaction. This protocol provides easy access to a series of 2,3-DHB ester derivatives, prodrugs, and allows for functional group transformations. Biological evaluation also indicates that some of the products exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity.