METHOD OF OBTAINING OPTICALLY ACTIVE HALF ESTERS

Abstract: A method of separating optically active half esters com­ prising optically resolving a mixture of a (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-­ 5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carbo­ xylic acid and a (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxy­ carbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, each being re­ presented by the formula (I): wherein R₁ is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Bzl is a nenzyl group: * indicates an asym­ metric carbon atom; and the 4- and 5-positions are a cis-confi­ guration, using an optically active d- or 1-amine represented by the formula (II): wherein R₂ and R₃ are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or methyl group; and indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the eforementioned half esters are disclosed. A method for the preparation of an optically active (4S,5R)-cis-1,3-diben­ zyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-car­ boxylic acid (Ia′) or (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ib′), comprising preferentially crystallizing (Ia′) or (Ib′) from a su­ persaturated solution where (Ia′) and (Ib′) are copresent in the presence of crystals of the same type of optically active half ester as that to be crystallized, is also disclosed.

Description: Method of obtaining optically active half esters and said half esters This invention relates to a method of obtaining a (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ia) and a (4R,5S)-1,3- diberzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine 4-carboxylic acid (Ib), each being represented by the formula (I): EMI1.1 and also to said compounds wherein R1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Bzl is a benzyl group; * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the 4- and 5positions are a cis-configuration. More particularly, it relates to a method of separating optically active half esters comprising optically resolving a mixture of (Ia) and (Ib) using an optically active d-.or 1-amine represented by the formula (II): EMI2.1 wherein R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a methyl group; and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom. It also relates to a method for the preparation of an optically active (4S,5R)-cis-1,3- dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4- carboxylic acid (Ia') (hereinafter referred to as "(4S,5R)half ester") or (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ib') (hereinafter referred to as "(4R,5S)-half ester") comprising preferentially crystallizing (Ia') or (Ib') from a supersaturated solution where (Ia') and (Ib') are Co- present in the presence of crystals of the same type optically active half ester as that to be crystallized. The optically active half ester obtained by the method of this invention is selectively reduced in either the lower alkoxycarbonyl group or carboxyl group thereof and cyclized, whereby optically active cis-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-1H-furo[3,4-d]imidazole-2,4-dione (hereinafter abbreviated as "lactone") represented by the formula (III): EMI3.1 wherein Bzl is an benzyl group; * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the 3a- and 6a-positions are a cis-configuration, can be produced. The lactone of the formula (III) is known as an important intermediate for the production of biotin. In the production of the optically active lactone from the optically active half ester, the lactone produced by reducing the lower alkoxy- or alkenyloxycarbonyl group of the optically active half ester and then cyclizing and that produced by reducing the carboxyl group of the optically active half ester and then cyclizing are in reverse in respect to the configuration. In other words, when the optically active half ester having a (4S,5R)-configuration is concerned, if the lower alkoxy- or alkenyloxycarbonyl group thereof is reduce and cyclized, the resulting optically active lactone has a (3aS, 6aR)-configuration, whereas if the carboxyl group thereof is reduced and cyclized, the resulting optically active lactone has a (3aR,6aS)-con figuration. On the other hand, when the optically active half ester having a (4R,SS)-configuration is concerned, if the lower alkoxy- or alkenyloxycarbonyl group thereof is reduced and cyclized, the resulting optically active lactone has a (3aR,6aS)-configuration, whereas if the carboxyl group thereof is reduced and cyclized, the resulting optically active lactone has a (3aS,6aR)-configuration. Such is illustrated in the following scheme. EMI5.1 (4S,5R)-Half Ester (4R,5S)-Ealf Ester EMI5.2 <tb> Reduction <SEP> , <SEP> Reduction <SEP> / <SEP> Reduction <SEP> ss <SEP> Reduction <tb> at <SEP> -CGOR <SEP> | <SEP> z <SEP> at <SEP> -COOR1 <SEP> | <SEP> at <SEP> -COOH <tb> <SEP> v <tb> EMI5.3 (3aR,6aS)-Lactone (3aS,6aR)-Lactone Accordingly, from any of the optically active (Ia) and (Ib) obtained in this invention, the optically active lactone having a (3aS,6aR)-configuration which is an important intermediate for the production of natural-type biotin can be derived. In short, any of the two optically active half esters obtained in this invention can be used as an intermediate for the production of natural-type biotin. Such is meaningful and valuable on an industrial scale because in the usual optical resolution operation, only either one of the two optical isomers is utilized and the. other is racemized and subjected to further optical resolution. Further, (Ib) is important as a starting material of a resolution agent for the production of an optically active isomer of a 4-hydroxy-2-cyclopentenone which is an intermediate for the production of prostaglan The mixture of the half esters (Ia) and (Ib) can be obtained by, for example, heating a cis-1,3-dibenzyl-2 oxoimidazolidine-4,5-dicarboxylic acid and a corresponding alcohol, or by other methods (Japanese Patent Application (OPI) No. 172257 /82). But, there have not yet been known any methods for separating the half esters (Ia) and (Ib) from the mixture thereof. Of these half esters, only (4S,SR)-l,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxycarbonyl- or 5-n-propoxycarSonyl-2-oxoimidzoliine- 4-carboxylic acid is known by the resume of lecture for the 1982's meeting in The Agricultural Chemical Society of Japan, page 391, in more detail, Acric. Biol. Chem., 46 (7), pp 1907-1910 (i982). Such optically active compounds can be prepared by enzymatic method from cis-l,3-dibenzyl-4,5-dimethoxycar- bonyl- or 4,5-di-n-propoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine. As the result of extensive investigations, the present inventors found a method of optically resolving a mixture of the half esters (Ia) and (Ib) whereby (Ia) and (Ib) can be easily separated from each other, which method is quite different from the above-described known method, and attained this invention. A first embodiment of this invention is to provide a method of separating optically active half esters comprising optically resolving a mixture of a (4S,5R)-1,3- dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine -carboxylic acid (Ia) and a (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ib), each being represented by the formula (I): EMI7.1 wherein R1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Bzl is a benzyl group; * indi cates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the - and 5-positions are a cis-configuration, using an optically active d- or 1amine represented by the formula (II): EMI8.1 wherein R2 and R3 are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a methyl group; and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atoms. A second embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for the preparation of an optically active (4S,SR)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ia') or (4R,5S)-cis1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ib') comprising preferentially crystallizing (Ia') or (Ib') from a supersaturated where (Ia') and (1b1) are co-present in the presence of crystals of the same type optically active half ester as that to be crystallized. In methods for obtaining an opticaily active isomer by optically resolving a racemate, a principle of a socalled preferential crystallization method in which a supersaturated solution of the racemate is seeded with a one-sided optically active isomer to separate and obtain the same type of optically active isomer as that seeded is, in general, well known. But, it is recognized in the art that such optical resolution is advantageously applicable only to a case that a racemic mixture is formed, but that it is not applicable to a case of racemic compound. It is unclear what compound does form a racemic mixture, or whether the preferential crystallization method is applicable. Further, there are no specific regulations thereon. In other words, the case that a racemic mixture is formed to which the optical resolution is applicable is r rather a specific case. Accordingly, in order to find out compounds which can meet the above described requirements, efforts must be mace to a great extent. Furthermore, it is a quite rare case that a compound to be optically resolved can be subjected to preferential crystallization directly (see A. Collet et al., Chew. Rev., 80, 215 (1980)). The present inventors have extensively investigated various optical resolution methods of a mixture of a (4S, 5R)-l,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimi az- olidine-4-carboxylic acid and a (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and found that the half esters form racemic mixture, hence the requirements under which optical resolution by preferential crystallization is possibly made can be met, which finding resulted in achieving this invention. First Embodiment of the Invention The optically active - or l-amine (II) is applied to the mixture of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) to produce crystals by a salt of (Ia) or (Ib) and (II), which are subsequently decomposed to obtain solely the half ester (Ia) or (Ib). Further, a filtrate from which the deposited crystals have been filtered out is concentrated to obtain a solid. The solid thus obtained is subjected to acid decomposition, and the freed optically active d- or l-amine is separated and removed to obtain a half ester mixture having an excess amount of either the optically active half ester (Ia) or (Ib). The resulting mixture is subjected to preferential crystallization, whereby the desired optically active half ester (Ia) or (Ib) can also be obtained solely. The method of this invention is described in detail below. To a mixture of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) are added predetermined amounts of a solvent and the optically active d- or l-amine (II) to produce a salt of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) and the optically active d- or l-amine (II). The salt thus produced is dissolved in a solvent. Illustrative examples of the optically active amine (II) which can be used as an optical resolution agent include optically active isomers of o'-phenyl- -phenylethyl- amine, &alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine, &alpha;-(p-tolyl)-ss-phe- nylethylamine, &alpha;-(p-tolyl)-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine, &alpha;-phenyl- (p-chlorophenyl)ethylamine, a-(p-chlorophenyl)-Q-phenyl- ethylamine, etc., with optically active isomers of a-phenyl-ss-phenylethylamine, &alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine and &alpha;-(p-tolyl)-ss-phenylethylamine bein preferred. The amount of the optically active amine (II) which can be used is usually about 0.7 to 1.2 mols, preferably 0.8 to 1.1 mols, per mol of the mixture of the optically active halr esters (Ia) and tIbj. In the resolution, a solvent is usually used. Illustrative examples of the solvent which can be used include mixtures of water-soluble organic solvents (e.g., tetrahydroruran, dioxane, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, etc.) and water, and benzene, toluene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methyl isobutyl ketone, hexane, petroleum ether, etc. and mixtures of these solvents. The amount of the solvent used is an amount sufficient for fractionally crystallizing the salt of the opti cally active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) and the optically active d- or l-amine (II) from a dissolved solution thereof. The reaction temperature can be optionally chosen within the range of from -20 C to the boiling point of the solvent used (but not lower than the melting point of the solvent) and is preferably not lower than the temperature at which the produced salt is crystallized. By the above reaction, the salt of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) and the optically active amine (II) is produced and then allowed to gradually cool to thereby crystallize a salt of diastereomer of either optically active isomer. In this case, in order to promote the crystallization of the salt of diastereomer, it is preferred to add a seed crystal of the same type of a salt of optically active half ester to the mixture system. The crystal thus produced is separated from the mother liquor and then decomposed with an acid or alkali. When the acid is used, examples of the acid which can be used include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, etc. The acid can be used freely if the amount is at least one mol per mol of the crystal filtered out. But, it is usually within the range of from about 1 to 1.5 mols per mol of the crystal. The decomposition solution is extract ed with an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, etc., or mixed solvents of these solvents). If desired, the extracted oily layer is washed with water, and the solvent is distilled off. Thus, the one-sided optically active half ester can be obtained. The aqueous layer obtained by the extraction and the water used for washing the extracted oily layer are neutralized with an alkali (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc.) and extracted with an organic solvent (e.g., toluene, chloroform, dimethyl ether, ethyl acetate, etc.). The extracted oily layer is washed with water, and the solvent is distilled off. Thus, the optically active d- or l-amine (II) used as the resolution agent can be recovered in a high yield. What the resolution agent can be recovered in a high yield is greatly advantageous in practicing the invention on an industrial scale. When the alkali is used in the decomposition reaction, examples of the alkali which can be used include sodium hydrogencarbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc. The decomposition reaction mixture is extracted with an organic solvent, whereby the optically active amine used as the resolution agent is transferred into the organic solvent layer -whereas the desired optically active half ester is transferred into the aqueous layer as a salt. The resulting aqueous layer is neutralized with an acid and extracted with an organic solvent. Thus, one-sided optically active half ester can be obtained. In this case, the same acid and organic solvent for extraction as those illustrated above can be used. A filtrate from which the crystal produced has been removed (if desired, a concentration residue obtained by concentrating the filtrate) is decomposed with the same acid as that described above, and the decomposition solution is extracted with a solvent. The extract is further concentrated to obtain a mixture of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) having an excess amount of the other-sided optically active half ester. The mixture is crystallized using a suitable solvent, whereby the desired other-sidea optically active halt ester can be preferentially crystallized. The crystal produced is then isolated. In this case, it is preferred to add a seed crystal of the same type of optically active half ester to the mixture system prior to the crystallization of the other-sided optically active half ester. Illustrative examples of the solvent which can be used for the preferential crystallization include alcohol solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.), ketone solvents (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), mixes solvents of these solvents and water, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., benzene, toluene, etc.), nitrile solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, etc.), and the like. The amount of the solvent used is not particularly restricted, but it is usually 2 to 30 times the weight of the half ester mixture. Since in the preferential crystallization, the desired optically active half ester can be produced and separated in a yield of higher than the optical excessive rate of optically active half ester, it is quite valuable from the industrial viewpoint. The thus isolated optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) can be purified by recrystallization, etc., if desired. In the optical resolution of the optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib), each having a methyl group for R1 in the formula (I), from an optically active isomer of a-phenyl--(-tolyl)ethylamine (hereinafter abbreviated as "PTE") which has a methyl group for R2 and a hydrogen atom for R3, respectively in the formula (II), if a solvent is selected, it is possible to selectively first crystallize either one of the half ester (Ia) or (Ib). For example, when d-PTE is applied to a mixture of (Ia) and (Ib) in a mixed solvent of a water-soluble organic solvent and water (the mixed solvent being hereinafter re ferried to as "hydrated solvent"), a salt of (Ib) and d-PTE can be selectively obtained as a crystal. On the other hand, when d-PTE is applied to a mixture of (Ia) and (Ib) in benzene, a salt of (Ia) and d-PTE can be selectively obtained as a crystal. These crystals are respectively subjected to acid decomposition, whereby the respective optically active half esters (Ia) and (Ib) can be isolated. A filtrate from which the crystal has been filtered out is also recrystallized by altering the solvent, whereby the other-sied optically active half ester can be obtained. For example, a filtrate obtained by applying d-PTE to a mixture of (Ia) and (Ib) in the hydrated solvent and filtering out the resulting salt of (Ib) and d-PTE is concentrated to obtain a solid which is subsequently recrystallized from benzene to obtain a salt of (Ia) and d-PTE. Then, (Ia) is obtained by acid decomposition of the salt of (Ia) and d-PTE. Or the solid obtained above is subjected to acid decomposition to remove d-PTE, followed by recrystallizing from the same solvent used in the preferential crystallization. Thus, (Ia) can be preferentially obtained. In contrast, when benzene is used as the solvent in place of the hydrated solvent, if the hydrated solvent is used in the recrystallization of the filtrate, (Ib) can be obtained from the filtrate in a manner quite the same as that above. When 1-PTE is used as the resolution agent, the desired optically active half ester can be obtained in the same manner except that the relation of (Ia) and (Ib) is reversed as compared with that when d-PTE is used. Second Embodiment of the Invention As the method for the preparation of a supersaturated solution where the (4S,5R)-half ester and (4R,5S)- half ester are co-present, there can be illustrated usual methods for preparing supersaturated solutions, such as methods in which after heating the half esters in a suitable solvent for dissolution, the solution is cooled or concentrated, or a solvent capable of reducing the solubility of the half esters is added to the solution, and the like. The mixture of the (4S,5R)- and (tR,5S)-half esters referred to herein also includes a mixture of an original mixture (about 1:1 mixture) with a desired optically active half ester. Illustrative examples of the solvent which can be used include alcohol solvents (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.), ketone solvents (e.g., acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, etc.), mixed solvents of these sol- vents and water, aromatic hydrocarbon solvents (e.g., benzene, toluene, xylene, etc.), nitrile solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, etc.), and the like. Of these solvents, benzene, toluene, xylene and acetonitrile are preferred in carrying out the optical resolution efficiently. When the solute of the supersaturated solution where the (4S,5R)- and (4R,5S)-half esters are co-present is an optically pure racemate, it is required to add a seed crystal to the system from the outside in the resolution. On the other hand, when the solute is optically impure, i.e., a one-sided optically active isomer is present larger in amount than the other-sided optically active isomer, the former is spontaneously crystallized and hence, it is not always required to add a seed crystal to the system from the outside. In this invention, the case that the spontaneous crystallization takes place and the same function as that in seeding with a seed crystal is seen is also referred to as "seeding with a seed crystal". There are no particular restrictions in the amount of seed crystal added, and the resolution becomes easy and accelerated as the amount of seed crystal is increased. But, it is generally sufficient to add a seed crystal in an amount of about 1 to 10% by weight based on the weight of the half ester present in the solution resolved. In a case that the objective optically active isomer is present excessively as compared with the other optically active isomer, if a seed crystal is added without taking place the spontaneous crystallization, the amount of seed crystal can be more decreased. In view of the purposes of use, it is preferred that the optically active isomer seeded is of high purity. The method of this invention is not limited only to a so-called one-sided resolution method in which only the one-sided optically active isomer is crystallized from the supersaturated solution. In other words, by adding seed crystals of the respective one-sided optically active isomers opposite each other to two resolution towers connected in parallel or in series, or respective portions of a resolution cell having a partition and bringing them into contact with a supersaturated solution where the (4S,5R)and (4R,5S)-half esters are co-present, two types of optically active half esters can be obtained at the same time. In order to increase the stability of the supersaturated solution where the (4S,5R)- and (R,5S)-half esters are co-present, an organic base such as dimethylaniline, dimethylbenzylamine, triethylamine, etc., or an inorganic base such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc. can be added in an amount of 0.05 to 0.6 mol per mol of the half esters. The addition of such base is, however, not essential. As described above, the method of this invention can be carried out under various conditions, but one spe cific embodiment of the invention is set forth below. In the optical resolution according to preferential crystallization of a racemic half ester of the formula (I) wherein R is a methyl group, it is particularly preferred to use acetonitrile as the solvent. The amount of acetonitrile is 2.5 to 5 times the weight of the racemic half ester. After the dissolution with the solvent has been carried out at 40 to 600C, the resulting solution is cooled to 20 to 350C to prepare a supersaturated solution. Thereafter, crystals of the desired optically active half ester are added as a seed crystal to the supersaturated solution at the same temperature, followed by stirring for 3 to 30 hours at the same temperature. Thus, preferential crystallization can be achieved. When the lower alkoxycarbonyl group of the optically active half ester obtained by the method of this invention is selectively reduced, boron-containing reagents such as sodium boron hydride, lithium boron hydride, calcium boron hydride, etc. can be used as a reducing agent. But, it is preferred on an industrial scale to carry out the selective reduction using sodium boron hydride as the reducing agent in a mixed solvent of an alcohol solvent (e.g., ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, etc.) with an aprotic solvent (e.g., tetrahydrofuran, toluene, benzene, dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, etc.). On ze other an, wn-en ;e carboxyl group of the optically active half ester is selectively reduced, the re suction can e carried out ky using a usual reducing agent capable of selectively reducing a carboxyl group, such as diborane, or by converting the carboxyl group into a corresponding active ester group or a mixed acid anhydride or acid halide with N-hydroxysuccimide, p-nitrophenol, isobutyl chloroformate, ethyl chloroformate, thionyl chloride, etc. and then reducing with a reducing agent such as sodium boron hydride. After completion of the reduction, the reaction solution is rendered neutral or acidic and extracted with a solvent such as dichloromethane, 1,2-dichloroethane, toluene, ethyl acetate, etc. In this step, cyclization takes place whereby the optically active lactone can be obtained. In order to obtain the optically active lactone in a high yield, it is preferred to render the reaction solution after the reduction acidic. The racemic half ester which is used as a starting material in tis invention can be prepared from cis-1,3dibenzyl-hexadro-1H-furo[3,4-d]imidazole-2,4,6-trione and methanol or ethanol. The optically active cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-lower alkoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxilic acid which is used as a seed crystal was obtained by optically resolving the racemic half ester using as a resolution agent an optically active amine selected from ephedrine and 2-amino-l,l- d iphenyipropanol. This Invention is described in more detail by reference to the following examples, but it is not to be construed that the invention is limited thereto. SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Racemic Half sters: (1) A mixture of 68.0 g of cis-1,3-dibenzyl-2-oxoimi dazolidine-4,5-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, 800 ml of toluene and 12.4 g of methanol was reacted at 80 to 820C for 3 hours and then cooled to room temperature. Crystals produced were filtered and dried under reduced pressure to obtain 61.3 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl- 2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 130-1310C, The above half ester was recrystallized from toluene to give a purified product. M.P., 131-1320C. (2) A mixture of 70.0 g of cis-1,3-dibenzyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4,5-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, 16.6 g of 99.5% ethanol and 1000 ml of benzene was heated under reflux for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under atmospheric pressure. The residue was stirred overnight with 200 ml of n-hexane. Crystals produced were filtered and dried under reduced pressure to obtain 76.2 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4 carboxylic acid which were then recrystallized for purifi- cation from toluene. M.P., 110-11 C. SYNTHESIS EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Seed Crystals: (1) z solution of 3.68 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazollidine-4-carboxylic acid as prepared in Synthesis Example 1-(1) and 2.27g of S-2-amino l,1-diphenylpropanol in 40 ml of isopropanol was allowed to react at room temperature for 3 hours. Crystals produced were filtered to obtain 2.16 g of a salt of (4S,5R)-cis 1 ,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carbox- ylic acid with S-2-amino-1,1-diphenylpeopanol. M.P., 105127 C. [&alpha;]D25 = +20.6 (c=1.0, CH3OH). 2.00 g of the salt thus obtained was treated with 3% hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and post-treated to obtain 1.11 g of (4S,5R)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oXoimidazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 144-l460C. [a]25 = -25.50 365- (c=1.0, DMF). The mother liquor of the salt was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with 3% hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was concentrated, and the residue was recrystallized from benzene to obtain 0.96 g of (4R,5S)-cis-1,3- ibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oXoimidazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 149-1500C. [a]365 = +27.10 (c=1.0, DMF). (2) (i) To a solution of 764 mg racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5- ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as prepared in Synthesis Example 1-(2) in 4 ml of 958 ethanol was added 310 mg #-ephedrine. After completely dissolving, the solution was allowed to stand overnight at 0 to 50C. Crystals produced were filtered to obtain 339 mg of a salt of (4R,iS)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxOimiCazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid with Q-ephedrine. M.P., 163-1670C. 20 [a]20 = -11.6 (c=1, CH3OH). 200 mg of the salt thus obtained was treated with 20 ml of 3% hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and post-treated to obtain 138 mg of (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oXoimi- dazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 133+135 C. [&alpha;]36520 = +21.60 (c=1.0, DMF). (ii) To a solution of 19.1 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as prepared in Synthesis Example 1-(2) in 200 ml of isopropanol was added 11.4 g of 5-2-amino-1,1-diphenylpropanol. After completely dissolving, the solution was allowed to stand overnight at room temperature. Crystals produced were filtered to obtain 21.1 g of a salt having a melting point of 135 to 144 C. 20.0 g of the salt thus obtained was recrystaööized rom 500 mi of methanol to obtain 7.3 g of a salt of (4S,5R)cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2- oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid with S-2-amino- ,1-di- phenylpropanol. M.P., 150-151 C. [&alpha;]D29 = +20.9 (c=1.0, CH30H). 6.0 g of the thus obtained salt was treated with 300 ml of 3% hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and post-treated to obtain 3.9 g of (4S,5R)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P.m, 133-135 C. [&alpha;]36525 = 20.70 (c=l, DMF). The above compound was recrystallized from benzene to give a purified product. M.P., 137-138.5 C. [&alpha;]36520 =-21.80 (c=l, DMF). The mother liquor of optical resolution and methanolic mother lIquor were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with 800 ml of 3% hydrochloric acid. The resulting mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate was then removed from the extract under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 200 ml of isopropanol, and 8.4 g of R-2-amino 1,l-diphenylpropanol was added thereto. After completely dissolving1 the solution was allowed to stand at room temperature for 6 hours. Thus, 15.0 g of crystals were produced. The crystals were recrystallized from 400 ml of methanol to obtain 8.2 g of a salt of (4R,5S)-cis-l,3-di- benzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid with R-2-amino-1,1-diphenylpropanol. M.P., 150-1510C. ri 20 0 (c=1.0, = -21.0 CH3OH). 6.0 g of the salt thus obtained was treated with 39 hydrochloric acid, extracted with ethyl acetate and posttreated to obtain 3.7 g of (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-etho- xycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxilic acid. M.P., 134 20 -1460C. [a336 = +21.00 (c=l, DMF) EXAMPLE 1 To 10.0 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 500 ml of benzene, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 520 C, and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 50 to 470 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 2.07 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimi- 20 dazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 148-149 C. [a1365 = -27.30 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 98%. To the filtrate was added 3.10 g of racemic cis1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazilidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting-solution was gradually cooled to 520C and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 50 to 470C. Thus, 3.40 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2- oxoimicazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was obtained. M.P., 148 -149 C. [&alpha;]36520 = +27.0 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 97%. EXAMPLE 2 To 5.0 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 350 ml of toluene, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 620C and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- carbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 60 to 620C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 1.51 c of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimi- dazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 147.5-148.50C. [a20 365 26.80 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 96%. EXAMPLE 3 To 2.00 g of racemic cis-1,3-ibenzyl-5-methoxycar- bonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 10 ml of acetonitrile, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 350C and then seeded with 0.20 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 27 to 300 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 0.40 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2- oxoimidazolidine-t-carboxylic acid. M.P., l43-l450C. [&alpha;]36520 = -23.9 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 86%. EXAMPLE 4 To 2.50 g of racemic cis-l,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid were added 50 ml of benzene and 70 mg of triethylamine, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 500C and then seeded with 0.25 g of (4S,5R) 1 ,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carbox- ylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 50 to 480 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 0.61 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-metho- xycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 143.5-145 C. [&alpha;]36520 = -26.6 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 95%. EXAMPLE 5 To 2.50 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycar bonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid were added 50 ml of toluene and 70 mg of triethylamine, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 670C and then seeded with 0.25 g of (4S,5R) 1 , 3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxo imidazolidine-4-carbox- vlic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 67 to 650C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 0.52 g of (S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-metho- xycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 145-146.5 C. [&alpha;]36520 = -27.4 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 98%. EXAPLE 6 To 50.0 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 200 ml of acetonitrile, and the mixture was heated at 450C for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 280C and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-diben- zyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimi azolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 27 to 29 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried obtain 5.01 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl 2-oxoimicazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 145-146 C. ra]26- = -23.4 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 84.2%. To the filtrate were added 7.5 g of racemic 1,3dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and 1.3 g of acetonitrile, and the mixture was heated at 450C for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 280C and seeded with 0.50 g of (4R,5S) 1 ,3-dlbenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carbox- ylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 15 hours while mainteining at 2 to 29 C. Crystals produced were filtered and cried to obtain 9.38 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-me- thoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimisdazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 146-147 C. [&alpha;]36520 =+25.1 ()c=1, DMF). Optical purity, 90.3%. Thereafter, to the filtrate from which the optically active isomer had been filtered out was added the racemic half ester, and the solution amount of the filtrate was controlled with acetonitrile. Thus, the (4S,5R)-isomer was obtained in the same manner as described above. Such procedures were repeated. The results obtained are shown in Table 1 below. Table 1 Racemic Half Ester (4S,5R)-Ralf ester (4S,5R)-Half Ester Run Optical Melting Optical Melting No. Addition Amount Yield* Purity Point Yield* Purity Point (g) (g) (%) ( C) (g) (%) ( C) 1 4.51 8.42 145-146 2 7.50 8.88 9.03 146-147 3 7.50 7.57 8.68 146-147 4 7.50 6.46 9.17 146-147 5 7.50 5.68 8.91 146-147 6 7.50 5.26 9.09 146-147 7 7.50 9.23 8.68 145-146 8 7.50 13.27 9.31 146-147 9 7.50 5.91 9.17 146-147 10 7.50 1.84 9.46 146-147 *: The yield shown is a value from which the amount of the seed crystal (0.50 g) has been subtracted. The filtrate obtained in Run No. 10 was concentrat ed under reduced pressure, and 250 ml of toluene was added to the residue to produce crystals. The crystals were filtered and dried to recover 45.3 g of racemic cis-1,3 d ibenzyl-5-metnoxycarbonyl-2-oxo imidazol idine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 129-130 C. [&alpha;]36520 =-2.2 (c=1, DMF). EXAMPLE 7 To 10.0 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycar- bonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 100 ml of toluene, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 420C and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxy- carbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 39 to 41 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 1.57 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimi- dazolidine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 135-137 C. [&alpha;]36520 -20.5 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 94%. To the filtrate was added 2.00 g of racemic cis 1, 3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carbox- ylic acid, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solutIon was gradually cooled to 420C and then seeded with 0.50 g of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbon- yl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 39 to 41 C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 2.23 g of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazoli dine-4-carboxylic acid was obtained. M.P., 135.5-137.5 C. ta]2O = .20.90 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 96%. 365 EXAMPLE 8 To 2.50 g of racemic cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid was added 25 ml of xylene, and the mixture was heated for dissolution. The resulting solution was gradually cooled to 600C and then seeded with 0.25 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbon- y1-2-oxoimldazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours while maintaining at 55 to 570C. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 0.72 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazoli dine-4-carboxylic acid. M.P., 117-1200C. [a]20 = -13.50 365 (c=2, DMF). Optical purity, 62%. REFERENCE EXAMPLE 1 To a mixed solution of 320 mg of sodium boron hydride and 35 ml of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise a solution of 1.20 g of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxycarbon- yl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Example 1 dissolved in 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 7 hours at 60 to 700C. The resulting reaction mixture was cooled, and 2.5 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added thereto, followed by concentrating the reaction mixture under reduced pressure. 250 ml of water was added to the residue, and the mixture was extracted twice with 100 ml of chloroform. The chloroform layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain 1.10 g of a residue. The residue was recrystallized from hydrated isopropyl alcohol to obtain 0.90 g of (3aS,6aR)-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-lH- 20 furo[3,4-d)imidazole-2,4-dione. M.P., 116-1180C. [0LD = +62.50 (c=l, CHC13). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 2 To a solution of 1.84 g of (aR,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Example 1 and 15 ml of tetrahydrofuran was gradually added 226 mg of sodium boron hydride at -200C. 1.06 g of a boron trifluoride-ether complex was then added dropwise thereto, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for one hour and at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 50 ml of ice water and stirred for one hour at room temperature. The resulting reaction mixture was controlled at a pH of 9 with a potassium carbonate aqueous and extracted twice with 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated salt water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 1.10 g of (3aS,6aR)-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-1H-furo[3,4-d]i midazole-2,4-dione. M.P., 116-118 C. {a]20 = +62.2 (c=l, D CHCL3). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 3 To a mixed solution of 660 mg of sodium boron hydride and 15 ml of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise a solution composed of 3.68 g of (4S,5R)-l,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Run No. 9 of Example 6, 5 ml of isopropyl alcohol and 60 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane at 5 to 100C over 30 minutes. After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was allowed to react at room temperature for 20 hours with stirring. 50 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid was added to the reaction mixture, followed by stirring at 55 to 600C for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was subjected to liquid-separation, and the aqueous layer was extracted once with 50 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane. The extract was combined with the organic layer and washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain 3.10 g of (3aS,6aR)-1,3- dibenzylhexahydro-1H-furo[3,4-d]imidazole-2,4-dione. M.P., 114-116 C. [&alpha;]D20 = +56.7 (c=1, CHCl3). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 4 To a mixed solution of 0.57 g of sodium boron hy dride and 22 ml of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise a solution of 3.40 g of a boron trifluoride-ether complex and 8 ml of tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at the same temperature. To the reaction mixture was added dropwise a solution of 5.0 g of (4R,5S)-1,3-di benzyl-5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Run No. 8 of Example 6 and 25 ml of tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. After completion of the dropwise addition, the mixture was allowed to react at the same temperature for 5 hours with stirring. 50 ml of a 5% hydrochloric acid aqueous solution was added thereto and refluxed for 30 minutes, followed by concentrating such that the amount of reaction mixture was about 50 ml. The residue was extracted with 100 ml of 1,2-dichloroethane and subjected to liquid-separation. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain 4.38 g of (3aS,6aR)-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-lH-furo[3,4-d]imidazole- 25 2,4-dione. M.P., 107-1100C. [a]D = +52.30 (c=l, CHC13). 4.00 g of crude crystals thus obtained were recrystallized from a 70% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol aqueous solution to obtain 3.18 g of purified crystals. M.P., 117118 C. [&alpha;]D25 = +62.4 (c=1, CHCl3). REFERENCE EXAMPLE 5 To a mixture of 43 mg of lithium boron hydride and 3 ml of tetrahydrofuran was added dropwise a solution of 249 mg of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimida- zolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Example 7 dissolved in 4 ml of tetrahydrofuran at room temperature. The mixture was refluxed for 2 hours, and the tetrahydrofuran was distilled off. To the residue was gradually added 4 ml of methanol under cooling, and 0.5 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added thereto. The mixture was refluxed for one hour and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel chromatography to obtain 150 mg of (3aS,6aR)-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-1H-furo[3,4-d]i 20 midazole-2,4-dione. M.P., 114-1160C. [a]D = +58.10 (c=l, CHC13) REFERENCE EXAMPLE 6 To a solution of 382 mg of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5ethoxycaebonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid as obtained in Example 7 and 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran was gradually added 47 mg of sodium boron hydride at -20 C. 220 mg of a boron trifluoride-ether complex was then added dropwise thereto, and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for one hour and at room temperature for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 10 ml of ice water and stirred for one hour at room temperature. The resulting reaction mixture was controlled at a pH of 9 with a potas sium carbonate aqueous solution and extracted twice with 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated salt water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 208 mg of (3aS,6aR)-1,3-dibenzylhexahydro-1h-furo[3,4-di]i- midazole-2,4-dione. M.P., 114-117 C. [&alpha;]D20 = +58.9 (c=1, cHc13)- EXAMPLE 9 In a flask were charged 382.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxycar- bonyllmldazolidlne-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 3 Q of methanol and 2.5 of water and heated at 500C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tol- yl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 30 to 310 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 200C and maintained at 200C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 47.0 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate to separate (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 157.5 g (Yield: 41.2%) of (4S, 5R)-1t3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazoli- dione-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = -20.9 (c=l, DMF). M.P., 134-1360C. Optical pu 365 rity, 96.4%. EXAMPLE 10 In a flask were charged 368.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar- bonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 3 4 of acetone and 3 #of water and heated at 600C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of 1 &alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts or crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and 1-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tol- yl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 34 to 350C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 15 C and maintained at 15 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 46 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate to separate (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 154.4 g (Yield: 41.9%) of (tS, 5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = -28.3 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148-149 C. Optical pu-rity, 99%. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a solid. To the thus obtained solid were added 600 cc of water and 64 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, followed by subjecting to acid decomposition. 300 cc of ethyl acetate was then added thereto to extract and separate a mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazoli- dine-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar bonylimldazolidine-2-one containing an excess amount of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimiddazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off. A solid obtained was dissolved in 6 k of benzene. Thereafter, the solution was gradually cooled and seeded with as a seed crystal (4R,5S) 1 , 3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazol idine-2-one to thereby preferentially crystallize (4R,SS)-l,3-dibenzyl- 4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. After gradually cooling to 350C, the system was maintained at 350C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried to obtain 175.0 g (YIeld: 47.5%) of (4R,5S)-l,3-di- benzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = +27.4 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148-149 C. Optical purity, 97.5%. EXAMPLE 11 In a flask were charged 396.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxy- carbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-car boxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 2.5 # of isopropanol and 2.5 2 of water and heated at 500C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)erhylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;- phenyl-3-(p-tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 31 to 320 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 100C and maintained at .10 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 50 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate to separate (4S,5R)-1,3-di- benzyl-4-carboxy-S-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 179.2 g (Yield: 5.2%) of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = -26.9 (c=l, DMF). M.P., l40-I420C. Optical pu [&alpha;]36520 rity, 98.7%. EXAMPLE 12 In a flask were charged 368.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar- bonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-l,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 1.5 of isopropanol and 1.5 # of water and heated at 500C. 197.3 g (1 mol) of d---phenyl-R-phenyletnhylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phe- nyl-8-phenylethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 350 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 200C and maintained at 200C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 46.5 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate to separate (4R,5S)-1,3-di- benzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 155.1 g (Yield: 42.18) of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-t-carboxy-5-metnoxyzarbonyl- imidazolidine-2-one. 20 [&alpha;]36520 = 27.0 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148-149 C. Optical purity, 98.9%. EXAMPLE 13 In a flask were charged 368.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar- bonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-113-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 2 # of methynol and 2 # of water and heated at 600C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d c-phenyl-e-(-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4R,SS)-1,3-dibenzy,l-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylim-idazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p- tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 400 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 25 C and maintained at 250C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 47.0 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 159.1 g (Yield: 43.2%) of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. 20 = +27.7C (c=l, DMF). M.P., l48-l490C. Optical pu 365 rity, 98.7%. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a solid which was subsequently dissolved in 1.7 # of benzene. The solution was gradually cooled to 200C, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of )4S,5R(-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tol- yl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals. The mixture was maintained at 80C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 47 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 157.1 9 (Yield: 42.7%) of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = -28.4 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148.5-149.5 C. Optical purity, 99.6%. EXAMPLE 14 In a flask were charged 368.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar- bonyllmidazolidine-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 3 # of acetone and 3 of water and heated at 600C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of 1- a-pnenvl-^-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and 1-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tol- yl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 34 to 350 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 15 C and maintained at 15 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 46 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 154. g (Yield: 41.9%) of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = -28.3 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148-149 C. Optical pu- rity, 998. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a solid. To the thus obtained solid were added 600 cc of water and 64 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, followed by subjecting to acid decomposition. 300 cc of ethyl acetate was then added thereto to extract and separate a mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar bonyllmidazolldlne-2-one containing an excess amount of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off. A solid obtained was dissolved in 6 of benzene. Theresfter, the solution was gradually cooled and seeded with as a seed crystal (4R,5S)- 1, 3-dibenzyl-4-c arboxy-S-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one to thereby preferentially crystallize (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl- 4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. After gradually cooling to 15 C, the system was maintained at 15 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried to obtain 175.0 g (Yield: 47.5%) of (4R,5S)-1,3- dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. [al20 = +27.40 (c=l, DMF). M.P., l48-l490C. Optical pu 365 rity, 97.6%. Further, the filtrate was concentrated to obtain a solid which was subsequently dissolved in 1 Q of benzene. Thereafter, the solution was gradually cooled and seeded with as a seed crystal (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- methoxycarbonylimidazolidlne-2-one to- thereby preferentially crystallize (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. After gradually cooling to 15 C, the system was maintained at 15 C for 2 hours. Crystals produced were filtered and dried to obtain 27.6 g (Yield: 7.5%) of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonyl imidazolldine-2-one. 20 365 = -28.0 (c=1, DMF). M.P., 148-189 C. Optical pu rity, 99.1%. EXAMPLE 15 In a flask were charged 368.4 g (total 1 mol) of â i:l mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycar- bonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-l,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-methoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and 3 # of ben zene and heated at 300C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d-a-phenyl-ss- (p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mix ture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonyl- imidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 200 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 50C and maintained at SOC for 2 houre. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crys tals were added 500 cc of water and 50 g of concentrated .hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 167.3 g (Yield: 45.4%) of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonyl imidazolidine-2-one. 20 [a]365 = 28.00 (c=l, DMF). M.P., 149-1500C. Optical purity, 99%. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a solid. To the solid was added a mixed solvent of 1.35 Z of ethanol and 0.67 4 of water, and .he mixture was heated at 50 C for dissolution. The resulting solution was cooled to 100C and maintained at 10 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried, followed by subjecting to acid decomposition and extraction with 300 cc of ethyl acetate. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 156.6 (Yield: 42.5%) of (R, S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-methoxycarbonyl- imidazolidine-2-one. 20 = ;27.60 (c=l, DMF). M.P., l48-l490C. Optical pu 365 rity, 98.6%. EXAMPLE 16 In a flask were charged 382.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxycar- bonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-l,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-ethoxacarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 2.5 # of isopropanol and 2.5 # of water and heated at 500C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;-phenyl- 3-(p-tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 30 to 31 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 100C and maintained at '0 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered out. The filtrate was concentrated, and 600 cc of water and 62 S of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added thereto, followed by subjecting to acid decomposition. 00 cc of ethyl acetate was then added thereto to extract and separate a mixture of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one containing an excess amount of (4R,SS)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxy- carbonylimidazolidine-2-one The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off. A solid obtained was dissolved in 1 # of toluene. Thereafter, the solution was gradually cooled and seeded with as a seed crystal (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5- ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one to thereby prererentially crystallise (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. After gradually cooling to 20 C, the system was maintained at 200C for 2 hours. The deposited crystal were filtered and dried to obtain 171.3 g (Yield: 44.8%) of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-ethoxy- carbonylimidazolidine-2-one. 20 [a] 365 = T21.1 (c=l, DMF). M.P., 135-136 C. Optical pu- rity, 97.6%. EXAMPLE 17 In a flask were charged 396.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxy- carbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-l,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 2.5 # of methanol and 2.5 # of water and heated at 500C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of d-&alpha;-phenyl-S-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4S,SR)-l,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and d-&alpha;- pnenyl--(p-tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 31 to 320C. The resulting mix ture was further gradually cooled to 10 C and maintained at 10 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered out. The filtrate was concentrated, and 600 cc of water and 63 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid were added thereto, followed by subjecting to acid decomposition. 400 cc of ethyl acetate was then added thereto to extract and separate a mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-iso- propoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenz yl-4-carboxy-5- isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one con taining an excess amount of (,SS)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy- 5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off. A solid obtained was dissolved in 1 # of toluene. Thereafter, the solution was gradually cooled and seeded with as a seed crystal (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one to thereby preferentially crystallize (4R.5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy S-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. After gradually cooling to 100C, the system was maintained at 10 C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried to obtain 167.7 a (Yield: 42.3%) of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. 20 [a]365 = +26.70 (C=1, DMF). M.P., 140-1420C. Optical pu- rity, 98.58. EXAMPLE 18 In a flask were charged 396.4 g (total 1 mol) of 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxy carbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-car- boxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one, 2.5 t of isopropanol and 2.5 # of water and heated at 500C. 211.3 g (1 mol) of 1-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamide was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of a salt of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and l-a phenyl-S-(p-tolyl)ethylamlne prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 30 to 310 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 100C and maintained at 100C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 50 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition and extraction with 400 cc of ethyl acetate to separate (4R,SS)-l,3-diben- zyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxycarbonylimidazolidazolidine-2-one. The extract was washed twice with 100 cc of water, and the ethyl acetate was distilled off to obtain 169.7 g (Yield: 42.8%) of (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxyl-4-carboxy-5-isopropoxycar bonylimidazol idine-2-one. [&alpha;]36520 = T26.60 (c=l, DMF). M.P., 142-144 C. Optical purity, 98.4%. EXAMPLE 19 In a flask were charged 396.4 g (total 1 mol) of a 1:1 mixture of (4S,5R)-1,3-dibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-n-propoxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one and (4R,SS)-1,3-dibenzyl--car- boxy-5-n-propoxycarbonylimidazolldine-2-one, 2.5 Z of isopropanol and 2.5 # of water and heated at 600C. 211.3 g (1 (ol) of 1-&alpha;-phenyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine was added dropwise thereto. The mixture was gradually cooled, and small amounts of crystals of â salt of (4R,5S)-l,3-dibenzyl-4- carboxy-5-n-propoxycarbovylimidazolidine-2-one and 1-&alpha;-phe- nyl-ss-(p-tolyl)ethylamine prepared separately were added thereto as seed crystals at 300 C. The resulting mixture was further gradually cooled to 10 C and maintained at 100C for 2 hours. The deposited crystals were filtered and dried. To the resulting crystals were added 500 cc of water and 50 g of concentrated hydrochloric acid, and the mixture was subjected to acid decomposition. Thereafter, 400 cc of ethyl acetate was added thereto to obtain 155.0 g (Yield: 3g.1i) of (4R,5S)-1,3- ibenzyl-4-carboxy-5-n-pro- poxycarbonylimidazolidine-2-one. 2u [a]365 = +19.20 (c=l, DMF). M.P., 126-1270C. Optical pu- rity, 96.1%. The optical purity in each of the Examples was measured in such a manner that the optically active half ester was converted to an acid chloride by using oxalyl chloride and reacted with d-phenylethylamine to introduce into a diastereomer of an amide of d-phenylethylamine, followed by separating by liquid chromatography and measuring.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A method of separating optically active half esters comprising optically resolving a mixture of a (4S,5R)-1,3- dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine4-carboxylic acid and a (4R,5S)-1,3-dibenzyl-5-alkoxy or alkenyloxacarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine- acid, each being represented by the formula (I): EMI54.1 wherein R1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Bzl is a benzyl group; * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the 4- and 5-positions are a cis-configuration, using an optically active d- or 1amine represented by the formula (II): EMI54.2 wherein R2 and R, are each a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a methyl group; and * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom. 2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein RI is a methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group or an isopropyl group. 3. A method according to Claim 1, wherein said opti cally active d- or l-amine is an optically active isomer of x-phenyl-n-(p-tolyl)ethylamine, a-(p-tolyl)-2-phenylethyla- mine or -phenyl- -phenylethylamine. 4. A method according to Claim 1, wherein the amount of said optically active d- or l-amine is about 0.7 to 1.2 mols per mol of the starting half ester. 5. A method for the preparation of an optically active (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2 oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid or (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-di- benzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4carboxylic acid, each being represented by the formula: EMI55.1 wherein R is a methyl group or an ethyl group; Bzl is G benzyl group; * indicates an asymmetric carbon atom; and the 4- and 5-positions are a cis-configuration, comprising preferentially crystallizing an optically active (4R,5S)cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid or (4R, 5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5- methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid from a supersaturated solution where said optically active (S,R)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and (4R,5S)-cis1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid are co-present in the presence of crystals of the same type of optically active (4S,SR)-cis 1,3-dibenzyl-5-metoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid or (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-meth- oxy- ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine. 6. A method according to Claim 5, wherein R is a meth .yl group. 7. A method according to Claim 5, wherein R is an eth yi group. 8. A method according to Claim 5, wherein said supersaturated solution is prepared in a solvent selected from benzene, toluene, xylene and acetonitrile. 9. A method according to Claim 5, wherein an organic or inorganic base is added to said supersaturated solution in an amount of 0.05 to 0.6 mol per mole of the optically active (4R,5S)-cis-1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxoimidazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and (4R,SS)-cis- 1 ,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxolmidazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid. 10. A method according to Claim 6, wherein said supersaturated solution is prepared by dissolving a racemic cis1,3-dibenzyl-5-methoxy- or ethoxycarbonyl-2-oxolmidazoli- dine-4-carboxylic acid in acetonitrile at 40 to 600C and cooling to 20 to 350C. 11. A half ester of the formula: EMI57.1 wherein R1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, each having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; Bzl is a benzyl group; and the 4- and 5-positions take the 4R,5S-configuration.

Inventors: IKEDA, TAKAHARU, ISHIZUMI, KIKUO, KATSURA, TADASHI, MINAI, MASAYOSHI, OHASHI, NAOHITO, SHIMAGO, KOZO
Applicants: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
Application year: 1983
Main classification: C07D233
IPC codes: C07D233, C07D491