Stereoselective inversion of (R)-(-)-benoxaprofen to the (S)-(+)-enantiomer in humans.

The enantiomeric composition of benoxaprofen [(RS)-2-(P-chlorophenyl)-alpha-methyl-5-benzoxazoleacetic acid] in plasma and urine was determined after oral administration of both the racemic mixture and the (R)-(-)-enantiomer to normal human volunteers. Resolution of the diastereomeric amides, formed by the reaction of the enantiomers with (S)-(-)-apha-methylbenzylamine, was accomplished by gas chromatography. The (R)-(-1)-enantiomer of the parent drug was stereoselectively inverted to its (S)-(+) isomer in humans.