Lipase-catalyzed resolution of both enantiomers of Ornidazole and some analogues

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(97)00260-7

The resolution of the enantiomers of the chemotherapeutic Ornidazole (Tiberal) 1a was achieved by acetylation of the racemic compound with vinylacetate in the presence of lipase Amano PS (from Pseudomonas cepacia). The halogen analogues 4a-6a and the corresponding 4-nitro-derivatives 1b and 4b-6b were also synthesized and the enantiomers were separated by kinetic enzymatic resolution. The absolute configuration of two compounds was determined by X-ray crystallography.