The invention relates to threo-phenylserine amides and the preparation of such phenylserine amides and phenylserines. The phenylserine amides according to the invention are intermediates in a most advantageous process for the preparation of known c iral pharmaceuticals such as thiamphenicol and phlorophenicol, which are used in optically pure form- In the known processes for the preparation of the above-mentioned pharmaceuticals, as described for example in EP-A-407190, the route followed always goes via phenylserine compounds. However, it has been found that a highly advantageous process for the preparation of for example thiamphenicol and phlorophenicol can be obtained if a route is followed that initially goes via the phenylserine amide rather than via the acid (phenylserine) .

The invention therefore relates to said phenylserine amide intermediates, as racemate and in optically active form, their preparation and also their application in the preparation of pharmaceuticals.

A first aspect of the invention relates to the threo-phenylserine amide compounds of formula (1)

where n = 0, 1 or 2 and the α-amino group may optionally be protected, and also to the Schiff base of these threo- phenylserine amides with a substituted benzaldehyde,

according to formula (

where n = 0, 1 or 2.

Suitable amino protecting groups are the generally known amino protecting groups; in particular the amino group may be protonated, for example in the form of an HCl salt.

A second aspect of the invention relates to the preparation of the Schiff base of a threo-phenylserine amide compound of formula (2) and the preparation of the corresponding free phenylserine amide of formula (1), in which glycine amide is contacted with a substituted benzaldehyde of the general formula (3)

where n = 0, 1 or 2 in an excess relative to the amount of glycine amide, this taking place at a pH between 9 and 14 in the presence of a suitable solvent.

The reason for this is that it has been found that, when glycine amide is started from, the threo form (a racemic mixture of the (2S,3R) and (2R,3S) enantiomers of the Schiff base of the phenylserine amide) surprisingly crystallizes out in high purity. The erythro compound (a racemic mixture of the (2S,3S) and (2R,3R) enantiomers remains in solution and is converted to the threo isomer, with less than 5% of the erythro compound remaining behind. The Schiff base can subsequently be hydrolyzed to the phenylserine amide of formula (1) in a known manner.

Another advantage of the route via the amide is that the desired (2S,3R) enantiomer can selectively be hydrolyzed to the corresponding (2S,3R) phenylserine from the mixture of (2S,3R) and (2R,3S) phenylserine amide, and this (2S,3R) phenylserine can subsequently be converted in a known manner to for example thiamphenol or phlorophenicol. It has been found that a high enantiomer excess (e.e.) can be achieved in an enzymatic hydrolysis with the aid of a suitable enzyme. The (undesired) (2R,3S) phenylserine amide can subsequently be isolated and optionally recovered.

It has moreover been found that the Schiff base of the (undesired) (2R,3S) phenyl glycine amide racemizes under the (basic) reaction conditions that are created in the preparation of the Schiff base of the phenylserine amides from glycine amide and the corresponding substituted benzaldehyde, so that (2S,3R) phenylserine with a high e.e. can be obtained in a particularly attractive process via recirculation of the undesired enantiomer. The invention therefore also relates to such a process for the preparation of a (2S,3R) phenylserine.

The preparation of the Schiff base of phenylserine amide from glycine amide and substituted benzaldehyde usually takes place at a temperature between 0 and 50°C, for example at room temperature. The pH at which this reaction is carried out preferably lies between 11 and 13. The molar ratio of glycine amide to substituted benzaldehyde usually lies between 1:3 and 2:3, preferably between 1:1.8 and 1:2.2. The highest yield is obtained at a molar ratio of almost 1:2.

Examples of suitable solvents are polar, water- miscible solvents, for example lower alcohols with 1-4 carbon atoms, optionally in combination with water. Preferably, as solvent use is made of a mixture of methanol in water, with a volume ratio of methanol to water of between 1:1 and 1:2, for example.

- A -

The resulting Schiff base of phenylserine amide can subsequently be hydrolyzed with an acid, usually a mineral acid, for example a hydrogen halogenide, to the salt of the free amide, which usually takes place at a pH between 0 and 2. The temperature at which the hydrolysis takes place usually lies between 20 and 50°C; the hydrolysis is preferably effected at room temperature. Via neutralization the free amide can be obtained from the salt, if desired. Examples of suitable enzymes that can be used in the enantio-selective enzymatic hydrolysis of the threo- phenylserine amides according to the invention are enzymes originating from the genera Ochrobactrum, Achromobacter , Klebsiella and Pseudomonas, for example Ochrobactrum anthropi, Klebsiela oxytoca and Pseudomonas putida. Use is preferably made of Ochrobactrum anthropi NCIB 40321 or Klebsiella sp. NCIB 40322, as described in EP-A-494716. The pH at which the enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out will in practice usually lie between 4 and 9, preferably between 5 and 8. It has been found that at this relatively low pH the substrate is dissolved and a high activity of the enzyme is still achieved. The enzymatic hydrolysis is usually carried out at ambient temperature or at a slightly elevated temperature, for example at a temperature between 0 and 85°C. Preferably, a temperature between 20 and 60°C is maintained. It goes without saying that the reaction conditions are chosen so that no or only a minimum number of interfering side reactions occur. After the enzymatic hydrolysis a mixture is obtained which mainly contains (2R,3S) phenylserine amide and (2S,3R) phenylserine. The undesired (2R,3S) phenylserine amide can subsequently be separated in a known manner. A very suitable method in the framework of the invention is obtained by converting the phenylserine amide, for example using a substituted benzaldehyde of formula (3), to the Schiff base and separating out the

Schiff base formed, for example via filtration or extraction with a suitable extraction agent. Examples of suitable extraction agents are toluene, methyl-t-butylether, dichloro methane and chloroform. The Schiff base of (2R,3S) phenylserine amide can subsequently be returned to the reaction mixture, in which the glycine amide is contacted with the substituted benzaldehyde, upon which racemization takes place.

The (2S,3R) phenylserine obtained after the enzymatic hydrolysis can subsequently be converted in a known manner to the desired pharmaceutical, for example as described in EP-A-507153. Thus, for example, thiamphenicol can be prepared in a known manner from (2S,3R)-3-[4- (methylsulphonyl)phenyl]serine via esterification, followed by reduction of the resulting ester to the corresponding diol (1R,2R)-(3-[4-(methylsulphonyl)- phenyl]serinol) , after which thiamphenicol is obtained via dichloro-acetylation. If (2S,3R)-3-[4- methylsulphanyl)phenyl)serine is started from, thiamphenicol can be obtained via oxidation of the product obtained after esterification, reduction and dichloro- acetylation, use being made of a suitable oxidation agent, for example peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, optionally in combination with a catalyst. Phlorophenicol can be obtained, for example, via fluorination of thiamphenicol, or of the diol obtained after esterification and reduction (in which case the amino group needs to be protected) , followed by dichloro- acetylation and, optionally, oxidation. Preferably, however, the conversion of a (2S,3R) phenylserine to the corresponding diol is carried out in one step using a suitable hydride as reduction agent, for example borane. The borane may optionally be formed in situ from other boron compounds, for example sodium borohydride (NaBH ₄ ), in combination with an acid, for example a Lewis acid or a mineral acid. The resulting diol

can, if desired, be isolated and purified, for example via formation of the Schiff base with the aid of benzaldehyde, extraction of the Schiff base, and hydrolysis to diol with the aid of, for example, a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid.

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of the following examples, without being limited thereto.

EXAMPLE I threo-3-r-4-(methylsulphanyl )phenyllserine amide HCL salt By means of 570 ml of 4N caustic the pH of a solution of 221 g of glycine amide HCl salt in 1500 ml of water was brought at 12.5. At 25°C 608 g of 4-(πtethyl- sulphanyl )benzaldehyde (formula 3 _. , with n - 0) in 1500 ml of methanol was added dropwise to this solution, upon which the temperature rises to 35-40°C. 100 ml of methanol was added to the suspension. After 2-3 hours a thick suspension formed, which was stirred for 18 hours at room temperature. Subsequently, 600 ml of 4 N hydrochloric acid was added in portions to the suspension. After four hours' stirring for dissolution of all solids, extraction was effected with 2 1 and 1 1 of toluene, respectively. After evaporation, 400 g 4-(methylsulphanyl)benzaldehyde (66%) was recovered from the toluene extract. The water phase was evaporated to about 500 ml of thick suspension. The solids were filtered off, washed with acetone and dried. The yield was 330 g of threo-3-[ 4-(methylsulphanyl )- phenyl]serine amide HCl salt (63% yield = 92 -. relative to aldehyde consumed), threo/erythro 97:3. Meltingpoint ( p) > 250°C. ^X E NMR (D ₂ 0) δ 2.47 (s, 3H) , 4.19 (d, 1H) , 5.10 (d, 1H), 7.35 (2*d, 4H) (for erythro isomer 4.31 (d) and 5.20 (d)). In DMSO d6 the amide protons are visible at δ 7.43 and 7.96. ¹³ C NMR (DMSO d ₆ ) δ 14.54 (q), 58.20 (d), 71.10 (d), 125.41 (d), 127.36 (d) , 136.56 (s), 137.51 (s), 167.83 (s). IR (cm ^-1 ) 1699, 1486, 1039, 813, 540. Exact mass, calculated for C ₁₀ H ₁₅ N ₂ 0 ₂ SC1 : 226.0776 (M ⁺ , -HCl),

found: 226.0780. Analysis of C ₁₀ H _1S N ₂ 0 ₂ SC1 : calculated C 45.71, H 5.75, N 10.66, found: C 45.4, H 5.8, N 10.6.

EXAMPLE II threo-3-r-4-(methylsulphonyl)phenyl1serine amide HCL salt By means of 12 ml of 4N NaOH the pH of a solution of 4.4 g of glycine amide HCl salt in 5 ml of water was brought at 12.5. 15 ml of methanol was added to this solution, followed by 14.75 g of 4-(methylsulphonyl ) benzaldehyde (formula 3., with n = 2). To this suspension another 20 ml of methanol was added. The solution remained inhomogeneous and was stirred at room temperature for 40 hours. The thick suspension was acidified with 15 ml of 4 N hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was filtered off and resuspended in 100 ml of water. After one hour's stirring the precipitate was again filtered off. 7.5 g of impure 4- (methylsulphonyl ) benzaldehyde was recovered. The collected filtrates were washed with chloroform and evaporated to a thick suspension. The solids were filtered off and washed with water and methanol and dried. Yield: 8.7 g of threo-3-[4-(methylsulphonyl )-phenyl Jserine amide HCl salt (74% yield). Melting point 223-225°C (decomposition). NMR (D ₂ 0) 3.27 (s, 3H) , 4.26 (d, 1H) , 5.31 (d, 1H) , 7.75 (d, 2H) , 8.03 (d, 2H). (In DMSO d6 amide signals at 7.52 and 8.03. ¹³ C NMR (D ₂ 0) 43.88 (q),

59.08 (d), 71.52 (d) , 128.23 (d) , 128.29 (d) , 139.68 (s), 145.03 (s), 169.59 (s). IR (cm ^-1 ) 1702, 1282, 1145, 544. Exact mass (Chemical ionisation with NH ₃ ), calculated for C ₁₀ H _ls N ₂ O ₂ SCl : 241.0647 (M ⁺ + 1, -H ₂ 0, -HCl), found: 241.0666. Analysis of C ₁₀ H ₁₅ N ₂ O ₂ SCl : calculated C 40.75, H 5.13, N 9.50, found: C 40.3, H 5.1, N 8.9.

The identical compound was prepared by oxidation of threo-3-[ 4-methylsulphanyl)phenyljserine amide HCl salt: 570 mg of threo-3-[ 4-methylsulphanyl)phenylJserine amide HCl salt was suspended in 10 ml of acetic acid. To this suspension, 12 ml of peracetic acid solution,

this suspension, 12 ml of peracetic acid solution, prepared from 3 parts of acetic acid and 1 part of hydrogen peroxide, was added. After two hours' reacting the peroxide excess was decomposed with the aid of a Pd/C 10% catalyst. After two hours' stirring at 40°C, the Pd/C was filtered off and the solution was evaporated. The residue was washed with methanol and dried. The yield was 400 mg (62%) of a white solid that was identical to the above-mentioned compound.

EXAMPLE III

Enzymatic screening for the hydrolysis of racemic threo-3-

T4-methylsulphanyl) henyl1serine amide

For screening purposes various enzyme preparations were tested (microorganisms and commercially available enzymes). The micro-organisms were partly obtained via accumulation on YCB medium with racemic threo-3-[4-methylsulphanyl)phenylJserine amide as sole nitrogen source. Microorganisms that grew on the threo amide were isolated and, in so far as unknown, their identity was determined by means of the API test. These microorganisms were tested for stereoselectivity. To this end, 0.5 ml of a 1% solution of racemic threo amide in 50 mM of phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) was incubated for three hours at 28°C with the 0.1 ml of cell suspension.

Subsequently, the e.e. was determined of the acid that had formed and of the residual amide in the solutions (see table) .

EXAMPLE IV

Enzymatic resolution of threo-3-,4- methylsulphanyl) henyl 1serine amide 7.7 g of amidase suspension from Ochrobactrum anthropi NCIB 40321 was added to a solution of 15.3 g of racemic threo-3-[4-methylsulphanyl)phenyl Jserine amide HCl salt in 150 ml of water, brought at a pH of 5.5 with 2 ml of 4 N caustic. The solution was shaken for 18 hours at 37°C, after which the conversion according to the ammonia determination was 45-47%. The solution was acidified with 3 ml of 4 N hydrochloric acid and centrifuged at 40°C. The precipitate was stirred twice with 150 ml of water and centrifuged. The collected supernatant layers were brought at a pH of 7 and 4.6 g of 4-(methylsulphanyl )benzaldehyde was added to the solution. The solution was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature, after which the solids formed were filtered off: 8.8 g of (2R, 3S)-N-[4-(methylsulphanyl) benzylidene]-3-[4-(methylsulphanyl)phenylJserine amide (42%) with an e.e. of 94%. The filtrate was evaporated to 30 ml, following which the solids were filtered off and dried: 6.4 g of (2S,3R)-3-[ 4-(methylsulphanyl )-

phenyljserine (42%). E.e. >99.7%. [αJ ²⁰ _D = -45.4° (c=l, 1 Ν HCl).

The (2R,3S) amide Schiff base (containing 5 mol% (2S,3R) acid) was converted to the (2R,3S) amide HCl salt: the Schiff base was suspended in 200 ml of chloroform / 200 ml of 1 Ν hydrochloric acid and stirred for 20 hours at room temperature. The water layer was separated and evaporated. The (2R,3S)-3-[4-methylsulphanyl)phenylJserine amide HCl salt obtained was recrystallized from i-propanol/methanol . E.e. 99.3%. [α] ²⁰ _D = -9.3° (c=l, IN HCl).

EXAMPLE V

Enzymatic resolution of threo-3-r 4-methylsulphonyl ) phenyl Iserine amide at pH = 6.0 3.0 g of amidase suspension from Ochrobactrum anthropi ΝCIB 40321 was added to a solution of 7.5 g of racemic threo-3-[4-methylsulphonyl)phenylJserine amide HCl salt in 75 ml water, brought at a pH of 6.0 with 1 Ν caustic. The solution was shaken for 22 hours at 37°C. The pH of the solution was raised to 7 by means of 4 Ν caustic and the solution was centrifuged at 40°C. The precipitate was stirred twice with 15 ml of water and centrifuged. 2.4 g of 4-(methylsulphonyl )benzaldehyde was added to the collected supernatant layers. The solution was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature, after which the solids formed were filtered off: 5.6 g of (2R, 3S)-Ν-[4- (methylsulphonyl )benzylidene]-3-[4-

(methylsulphonyl )phenyl Jserine amide (52%). E.e. 83%. The filtrate was evaporated to 30 ml, following which the solids were filtered off: 2.3 g of (2S, 3R)-3-[ 4-

(methylsulphonyl ) phenyl] serine (35%). Enantiomeric excess 99%.

EXAMPLE VI

Enzymatic resolution of threo-3-r 4-(methylsulfonyl )phe- nyl.serine amide at pH 7.5

A solution of 2.9 gram of racemic threo-3-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenylJserine amide HCl-salt in 28 ml

KH ₂ P0 ₄ / K ₂ HP0 ₄ buffer (pH 7.0), was adjusted to pH 7.5 with 1 N KOH solution. To the solution was added 1.9 gram of amidase suspension (Ochrobactrum anthropi NCIB 40321, 10 % dry weight, pH 7.0). The solution was incubated at 37°C in a orbital shaker (170 rpm) for 71 h. During this period the pH was maintained at 7.5 by regular addition of 1 N H ₃ P0 ₄ . After 71 h aqueous HCl (4 N) was added until the pH of the mixture was approximately 3. The enzyme was centrifuged, the palatte washed with water, and again centrifuged. The combined supernatants were adjusted to pH 7 using a 4 N NaOH solution and 0.37 gram of 4- (methylsulfonyl)benzaldehyde was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. , then was allowed to set for 16 h. Filtration yielded 0.43 gram (10%) of crude N-[4-(methylsulfonyl)benzylidene]-3-[4- (methylsulfonyl)phenylJserine amide. The elutant was concentrated in vacuo, the crude 3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phe- nyl Jserine was suspended in 5 ml of water, cooled in ice and filtered, rinsing with acetone to leave 2.07 gram (72%) 3-[4-(methylsulfonyl)phenylJserine as a white solid. Diastereomeric ratio threo/erythro: 92:8, Enantiomeric excess threo-isomer : approx. 100% (2S,3R)-isomer .

EXAMPLE VII Racemization of (2R, 3S)-3-, 4-(methylsulphanyl)- phenylserine amide

1.31 g of (2R,3S)-3-[4-(methylsulphanyl)- phenylserine amide HCl salt (e.e. 99.3%) was dissolved in

12 ml of water/methanol , 1:1. 770 mg of (methylsulphanyl) benzaldehyde was added to the solution and the pH was brought at 12.5 by means of 4N caustic. The suspension was

stirred for 24 hours at 20°. Using 4Ν hydrochloric acid the pH of the suspension was lowered to 2, which was followed by one hour's stirring upon which the solids dissolved. The solution was washed twice with toluene. The water layer was evaporated to yield 1.15 g of cream- coloured solid. Threo/erythro ratio 97:3. E.e. 9% (2R,3S) enantiomer.

EXAMPLE VIII Combined synthesis and racemization of threo-3-.4- methylsulphanyl ) phenyllserine amide HCl salt

A suspension of 5.0 g of (2R, 3S)-N-4-methyl sulphanyl) benzylidene 3-[4-methylsulphanyl )phenylJserine amide (e.e. 94%) and 3.07 g of glycine amide.HCl in 30 ml of water was given a pH of 12.9 using 4N caustic. Then 8.1 g of 4-(methylsulphanyl)benzaldehyde in 30 ml of methanol was added. The suspension was stirred for 20 hours at 20° and processed according to the procedure given for the synthesis starting from glycine amide and 4- (methylsulphanyl)-benzaldehyde. Yield 6.85 g of threo-3- [4-(methylsulphanyl) phenyl Jserine amide HCl salt (65%). E.e. < 5%.

EXAMPLE IX Synthesis of (1R,2R)-2-amino-l , 3-dihvdroxy-l-r4- (methylsulphanyl )phenyl1propane

2.27 g of (2S,3R)-3-[4-(methylsulphanyl) phenyl]serine was suspended in 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran (THF). After addition of 1.0 g of NaBH ₄ the suspension was rinsed with 6 ml of THF. The thick suspension was cooled in ice and 1.23 g of H ₂ S0 ₄ in 3 ml of diethylether was added dropwise in 20 minutes. After 3 hours' stirring the solution was carefully acidified with 4 N hydrochloric acid and washed with chloroform. The pH of the water layer was brought at 10 and 1.05 g of benzaldehyde was added. After two hours' stirring at room temperature, three

extractions with chloroform were carried out. The organic layers were evaporated and heated for one hour at 80°C with 4 N hydrochloric acid. The benzaldehyde was removed by washing twice with chloroform, following which the water layer was evaporated. 1.8 g of (lR,2R)-2-amino-l,3- dihydroxy-l-[4-(methylsulphanyl)phenyl]propane HCl salt.