Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of Methyl 3-Phenylglycidate by Transesterification with Amino Alcohols

Kinetic resolution of racemic methyl trans-3-(4-methoxyphenyl)glycidate, a key intermediate for the synthesis of the well-known drug diltiazem hydrochloride, has been accomplished by transesterification reactions with suitable amino alcohols catalyzed by Novozym 435 in organic solvents.