Synthesis of Optically Active 1,4-Thiazane-3-carboxylic AcidviaOptical Resolution by Preferential Crystallization of (RS)-2-Amino-3-[(2-chloroethyl)sulfanyl]propanoic Acid Hydrochloride

Optically active 1,4-thiazane-3-carboxylic acid [TCA] was synthesized from cysteine via optical resolution by preferential crystallization. The intermediate (RS)-2-amino-3-[(2-chloroethyl)sulfanyl]propanoic acid hydrochlo-ride [(RS)-ACS•HCl] was found to exist as a conglomerate based on its melting point, solubility and IR spectrum. (RS)-ACS•HCl was optically resolved by preferential crystallization to yield (R)- and (S)-ACS•HCl. (R)- and (S)-ACS•HCl thus obtained were recrystallized from a mixture of hydrochloric acid and 2-propanol, taking account of the solubility of (RS)-ACS•HCl, efficiently yielding both enantiomers in optically pure forms. (R)- and (S)-TCA were then respectively synthesized by the cyclization of (R)- and (S)-ACS•HCl in ethanol in the presence of triethylamine.