Enzyme-Catalyzed\nDynamic Kinetic Resolution for the\nAsymmetric Synthesis of 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Esters and Evaluation\nof Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Utilizing enzymes as biocatalysts, an alternative strategy\nhas\nbeen developed for the highly enantioselective synthesis of chiral\n2,3-dihydrobenzofuran (2,3-DHB) esters via the dynamic kinetic resolution\nof 2,3-dihydro-3-benzofuranols, which are generated from an intramolecular\nAldol reaction. This protocol provides easy access to a series of\n2,3-DHB ester derivatives, prodrugs, and allows for functional group\ntransformations. Biological evaluation also indicates that some of\nthe products exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity.