Resolution of mercaptopropionic acids

摘要

This invention relates to a process for the optical resolution of DL- alpha -methyl- beta -acylthiopropionic acids of the formula [I], <IMAGE> [I] wherein R is a lower alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, phenyl or substituted phenyl bearing methyl or chloro radical; a method for the racemization of an optically active alpha -methyl- beta -acylthiopropionic acid of the formula [Ia], <IMAGE> [Ia] wherein R is as defined above; and a process for the synthesis of captopril of the formula [II], <IMAGE> [II] using the D-acid [Ia] as an intermediate. The optically active alpha -methyl- beta -acylthiopropionic acids are useful as intermediates for the production of medicines, for example, captopril or its congeners.