Patent ID: 8058471
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: C07B,C07C

Abstract:
1. A method for producing an optically active hydroxycarboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula (3): (wherein, R 1 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y represents hydrogen or a metal atom; and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom) or a salt thereof, the method comprising: carrying out a hydrogen-transfer reduction of a ketocarboxylic acid derivative represented by the general formula (1): (wherein, R 1 and Y are the same as mentioned above) or a salt thereof in the presence of a hydrogen donor compound and an optically active diamine complex represented by the general formula (2): (wherein, R 2 and R 3 may be the same or different, each representing an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted aryl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms; R 4 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an optionally substituted aryl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms; R 5 represents an optionally substituted alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, an optionally substituted aryl group having 6 to 14 carbon atoms, or hydrogen; Ar represents an optionally substituted aromatic compound; M represents a transition metal; X represents a halogen atom; and * is the same as mentioned above, wherein the reaction is carried out in an alcohol solvent or without a solvent.