RACEMIZATION OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE AMINES

摘要

RACEMIZATION OF OPTICALLY ACTIVE AMINES A method for racemization of optically active amines which comprises contacting an optically active amine of the formula: wherein C* is an asymmetric carbon atom, R1 is alkyl, aralkyl or aryl and R2 is aryl or alkoxycarbonyl, the aryl of aralkyl moiety bearing optionally one or more alkyl or alkoxy on the aromatic ring, provided that R1 and R2 are always different from each other, with an alkali metal catalyst selected from the group consisting of (1) an alkali metal deposited on a solid carrier, (2) an alkali metal dispersed in a liquid medium and (3) an alkali metal alloy at a temperature of from -10 to 50.degree.C until a sufficient amount of the optically active amine is racemized. The method has the advantage of previous methods or providing racemic mixtures in excellent yields at ambient temperatures.