| abstract |
A process for the preparation of S-(+)-2-(3-benzoylphenyl)propionic acid, according to formula (I), which process comprises the following steps: a) stereoselective transesterification in organic medium, catalysed by a carboxylesterase enzyme of microbial origin, of an ester of formula (II) in which R1 is a C¿1?-C10 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group, which can be substituted at the α- or β-positions by an electron-withdrawing group, said transesterification reaction is carried out in an organic solvent with an alcohol of general formula R?5OH, R5¿ being a C¿1?-C8 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group, or a C1-C4 straight, branched or cyclic alkyl group substituted by a group having acid or basic functionality; b) selective hydrolysis or extraction of ester IV which is then converted to I. |