Lipase-Catalyzed Enantioselective Hydrolysis of Bis(acyloxymethyl) 1, 4-Dihydro-3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylates Leading to Optically Active Medicines

Chiral 4-aryl-1, 4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylates and 1, 4-dihydro-2, 4, 6-trimethyl-3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylate have been obtained in 80-99%ee by lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis of bis(acyloxymethyl) 1, 4-dihydro-3, 5-pyridinedicarboxylate in an H2O/organic solvent system. These chiral dihydropyridines were readily converted into chiral drugs, such as nicardipine, felodipine and PCA 4248.