An efficient synthesis of (R)-2-butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid

An efficient synthesis of (R)-2-butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid (1) via a classical resolution of (+/-)-2-butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid (7) with (R)-alpha-methylbenzylamine is described. (+/-)-2-Butyl-3-hydroxypropionic acid (7) was readily available from diethyl butylmalonate (2) in two steps. Results on the enantioselective enzymatic hydrolysis of 2 with pig liver esterase and alpha-chymotrypsin towards 1 are also described.