Abstract
A simple and efficient method for the synthesis of optically active gamma-azidoalcohols is described. The lipase catalyzed kinetic resolutions of acetates of gamma-azidoalcohols in aqueous as well as organic media have been studied. The enantiomerically pure gamma-azidoalcohols obtained by the kinetic resolution in high enantiopurity have been utilized towards the synthesis of enantiomeric pairs of anti-depressant drugs, fluoxetine and duloxetine. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.