An efficient kinetic resolution of racemic Betti base based on an enantioselective N,O-deketalization.

An efficient kinetic resolution of racemic Betti base with L-(+)-tartaric acid in acetone was developed based on a novel enantioselective N,O-deketalization, by which the enantiopure R- and S-enantiomers of Betti base were obtained as the corresponding N,O-ketal compound and salt with L-(+)-tartaric acid, respectively, in excellent yields with a practically foolproof operation.