The synthesis of the enantiomers of lipoic acid

Abstract

Lipoic acid is a biologically important molecule. Whilst the racemate has been available by a number of syntheses for many years, no convenient preparation of the pure enantiomers has so far been described. All the evidence so far presented indicates that only the dextrorotatory isomer is active in vivo, the absolute configuration of which has not been established with certainty. To further elucidate the biochemical role(s) and biosynthesis of this compound, a convenient EPC synthesis would be beneficial. This thesis describes the development of a route to the (R)- and (S)- forms of the target molecule from a member of the "chiral pool". ******