| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for producing an optically activen4-[α-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoic acid or anpharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which includes subjecting a compoundnof the formula (I)n nwherein each symbol in the formula is as defined in the specification, to opticalnresolution by fractional crystallization to give an optically active compound thereofnand subjecting the compound to hydrolysis reaction. According to this method, anresolution method useful for industrial large-scale production of the opticallynactive compound of 4-[α-hydroxy-5-(1-imidazolyl)-2-methylbenzyl]-3,5-dimethylbenzoicnacid, which is useful as a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor andnan agent for the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetic complications, can benobtained. |