| abstract |
The present invention pertains to a process for preparing a compound of Formula I that is achiral, racemic or enantiomerically enriched at the hydroxylation center indicated by * n n n n n n n n n n comprising contacting a compound of Formula II n n n n n n n n n n with an oxidant selected from oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, peracids or alkyl hydropetoxides in the presence of a zirconium complex, wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are as defined in the disclosure. This invention also pertains to zirconium complexes useful in this procedure comprising zirconium and a ligand of Formula III or its enantiomer n n n n n n n n n n wherein J, R 6 and n are as defined in the disclosure. This invention further pertains to a compound of Formula III or its enantiomer. |