6, 6'-Dibromo-3, 3'-dimethoxy-2, 2'-dihydroxy-1, 1'-biphenyl: preparation and resolution

A pratical route to prepare the title biphenyl 1 starting from 3,3',2,2'-tetramethoxy- 1,1'-biphenyl 2 is described. Resolution of 1 was achieved by its conversion into the corresponding diastereomeric menthyl-dicarbonate. The absolute configuration of (P)-(+)-1 was confirmed by X-ray analysis of the related diastereomer, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd, All rights reserved.