Bis(mandelato)borate: an effective, inexpensive spiroborate anion for chiral resolution.

Bis(mandelato)borate [B(Man)2]− (R- or S-) anions are simply prepared and appear widely effective for resolution of racemic cations. Three examples demonstrate their scope; the alkaloid tetrahydropalmatine (THP), 1,2-diaminopropane (1,2-dap) and the metal–organic complex [Co(phen)3]3+ are readily resolved, either by a facile one-pot procedure, or via counter-ion metathesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]