NEW MATERIAL:An optically active compound expressed by formula I (R is lower alkyl; n is integer of 1-5; the mark * indicates asymmetric atom).
EXAMPLE: (+)- or (-)-4-(3-Hydroxybutyl)acetophenone.
USE: An intermediate for agricultural chemical or organic electronic material (e.g. novel ferroelectric liquid crystal substance).
PREPARATION: Alcohols expressed by formula II is reacted with a carboxylic acid expressed by the formula R'COOH (R' is lower alkyl) or derivative thereof in the presence of a basic substance or acids to afford a compound expressed by formula III, which is then acylated in a solvent in the presence of a catalyst to give a compound expressed by formula IV. The compound expressed by formula IV is further subjected to asymmetric hydrolysis using an esterase having ability capable of hydrolyzing either one among optically active substances thereof to industrially advantageously provide the optically active compound expressed by formula I.
KURIMOTO ISAO
TODA SHOJI
MINAMII MASAYOSHI
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