An Efficient Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Betti Base Based on an Enantioselective <b><i>N</i></b>,<b><i>O</i></b>-Deketalization

An efficient kinetic resolution of racemic Betti base with l-(+)-tartaric acid in acetone was developed based on a novel enantioselective N,O-deketalization, by which the enantiopure R- and S-enantiomers of Betti base were obtained as the corresponding N,O-ketal compound and salt with l-(+)-tartaric acid, respectively, in excellent yields with a practically foolproof operation.