IMPROVED RESOLUTION OF 3-(4-METHOXYPHENYL)-GLYCIDIC ACID WITH IN SITU CONVERSION TO ALKYL ESTERS

摘要

Optically active 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)glycidic acid alkyl esters of high enantiomeric purity can be prepared through optical resolution of a racemic or optically enriched sample of a 3-(4-methoxyphenyl) glycidic acid. The alkali metal salt of the acid, generated in situ by hydrolysis of the corresponding alkyl ester with an alkali metal hdyroxide is contacted with a suitable resolving agent such as an optically pure amine to form the corresponding diastereomeric salts. The desired diastereomeric salt is separated from the mixture and transformed to an alkali metal salt, which optionally without isolation is converted into the desired alkyl ester of high enantiomeric purity.