Process Development in the Synthesis of the ACE Intermediate MDL 28,726

MDL 28,726 is a key intermediate in the synthesis of the ACE inhibitors MDL 27,210A and MDL 100,240. An efficient nine-step synthesis of this tricyclic acid, which has three chiral centers, was developed beginning with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran. A key step in the synthesis features an enzyme-catalyzed resolution of the lithium salt of the N-trifluoroacetamide of (R,S)-6-hydroxynorleucine. All of the steps were optimized and completed in reactor equipment using environmentally acceptable processes. Process development of this route is described.