Process for producing optically active β-hydroxy-α-aminocarboxylic acid derivative

Abstract

There is provided a process for efficiently producing an anti form of an optically active β-hydroxy-α-aminocarboxylic acid derivative that is useful as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. The process for producing optically active β-hydroxy-α-aminocarboxylic acid derivative of formula (2) or (3) therein Ris substituted or unsubstituted Calkyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted Caromatic group, Ris substituted or unsubstituted Calkyl group, or substituted or unsubstituted Caromatic group, comprising subjecting an α-aminoacyl acetic acid ester compound of formula (1) wherein Rand Rhave the same meaning as the above, to hydrogenation by catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation in the presence of an acid by using as a catalyst a rhodium complex containing as a ligand an optically active compound of formula (4), (4') or (5) characterized in that the hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of an acetic acid salt.