Dsm N.v.

Marcus J Plaum

Wilhelmus H Boesten

Quirinus B Broxterman

Wilhemus H Boesten

A process is disclosed for preparing an (S)-2-amino-.omega.oxoalkanoic acid derivative in which the corresponding aldehyde is converted into the corresponding acetal-protected aldehyde, the acetal-protected aldehyde is converted into the corresponding aminonitrile, the aminonitrile is converted into the corresponding amino acid amide, the amino acid amide is subjected to an enzymatic, enantioselective hydrolysis in which the (R)-enantiomer of the amino acid amide remains and the (S)-enantiomer is converted into the (S)-amino acid, and the (S)-amino acid is isolated. Preferably, the reaction mixture obtained after the conversion of the aminonitrile into the amino acid amide is treated with a benzaldehyde to form the Schiff base of the amino acid amide. The Schiff base is separated out and is converted into the free amino acid amide.

Process for preparing optically active 2-amino-.omega.-oxoalkanoic acid

Process for the preparation of a 1,5-benzothiazepine derivative, or a salt thereof, of formula 1 ##STR1## where R1 represents H, an alkyl group or an alkoxy group and R.sub.2 represents H or a halogen, in which process a propanoic acid derivative of formula 2 ##STR2## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are as defined above and R.sub.3 represents H or an alkyl group is subjected to an intramolecular cyclisation reaction in a non-halogenated solvent in the presence of a carboxylic acid. Preferably, R.sub.2 is H and R.sub.1 is OCH.sub.3. Trichloroacetic acid is preferably used as .alpha.-chlorinated acid. The benzothiazepine obtained on cyclisation can be subjected to an alkylation reaction and/or an acylation reaction to obtain known pharmaceutical products, in particular diltiazem.

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Sittard, Netherlands

Marcus J Plaum