Optically Active Amines by Enzyme-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution

Chiral amines are resolved by an enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution. Key steps are the selective acylation of one enantiomer with isopropyl methoxyacetate, separation of the resulting amide from the unreacted antipode, and finally amide hydrolysis. The process proceeds with excellent selectivity and is highly flexible with regard to substrates.