New approach to the synthesis of optically active trityl systems

A new method for the resolution of potentially optically active trityl alcohols is reported. Three trityl alcohols as pilot compounds were converted to hydracrylic acid derivatives. Esterification with diazo-methane was followed by degradation (reverse Michael reaction) to the original alcohols with sodium hydride. The resolution of phenyl-α-naphthyl-p-tolylcarbinol was effected conveniently by this route.