An investigation into the synthesis of an optically active trityl system

Several possible routes to obtain an optically active trityl system have been studied. Model systems, using triphenylcarbinol and 4-bromo-^1-chlorotriphenylcarbinol, were employed. Several routes to break down the glycolic acid derivatives of these alcohols were studied. These involve the preparation of the silver salt of the acid and its reaction with bromine; the reaction of the acid with mercuric oxide and bromine and the thermal decomposition of the silver salts of the acids.