| abstract |
A novel azlactone of formula (3), or the opposite enatiomer, wherein R?1, R2, R3¿ and X are each a substituent, undergoes biotransformation, using suitable enzymatic activity, in the presence of a base YH to form an N-acyl-amino-acid of formula (2), wherein Y is a group derivable from the base YH and convertable to OH. An amino-acid of formula (1), or the opposite enantiomer, can be prepared in high e.e. from a compound of formula (2) by converting Y to OH. |