PRODUCTION METHOD OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE IMIDAZOLE COMPOUND, SYNTHETIC INTERMEDIATE THEREFOR AND PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides a method for producing an optically acti ve 4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which includes subjecting a compou nd of the formula (I) (see formula I) wherein each symbol in the formula is as defined in the specification, to optical resolution by fractional crystallization to give an optically active compoun d thereof and subjecting the compound to hydrolysis reaction. According to this method , a resolution method useful for industrial large-scale production of the optically active compound of 4-[.alpha.-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5- dimethylbenzoic acid, which is useful as a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor and an agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic complications, can be obtained.