OPTICAL RESOLUTION BY PREFERENTIAL CRYSTALLIZATION OF (RS)-BROMOSUCCINIC ACID

The racemic structure of (RS)-bromosuccinic acid [(RS)-BSA] was examin ed based on the melting-point, solubility, infrared spectrum, and bina ry and ternary phase diagrams. The results indicated that (RS)-BSA exi sts as a conglomerate at room temperature, although it forms a racemic compound at the melting point. The optical resolution by preferential crystallization of (RS)-BSA yielded (R)- and (S)-BSA with optical pur ities of 81-93%. in addition, (RS)-BSA was optically resolved using (1 S,2S)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol as a resolving agent, to yield (R)- and (S)-BSA with optical purities of 99 and 83%, respectively. Th e obtained (R)- and (S)-BSA were recrystallized from water to obtain o ptically pure BSA enantiomers.