Abstract

Resolution of 1-(4-amino-3-chloro-5-cyanophenyl)-2-bromo-1-ethanol has been achieved by ethanol enantio-selective lipase-catalysed alcoholysis, hydrolysis and acylation. Although a good enantioselectivity was observed in the three reactions, the best results were obtained by hydrolysis. This alpha-bromohydrin is an intermediate in the synthesis of a new adrenergic agent. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.