Process for producing optically active atenolol and intermediate thereof

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This is an improved process for producing an optically active atenolol useful as a .beta.-adrenergic blocker for the treatment of angina pectoris, arrhythmia and hypertension. In this process a phenol compound is reacted with an optically active epihalohydrin to give an intermediate optically active, glycidyl ether compound. The intermediate is then reacted with isopropylamine. Purification of the optically active atenolol in high yield is achieved by forming a salt of atenolol with a Br~nsted's acid. The salt of optically active atenolol having high optical purity can be separated from the salt of racemic atenolol by a solid-liquid separation method.