SEPARATION OF ENANTIOMERS OF 3-ETHYLBICYCLO[3.2.0]HEPT-3-EN-6-ONE

A process to isolate a compound of Formula (2a) or a salt or solvate thereof, comprising a) reacting a mixture of diastereoisomers of Formulae (2a, 2b) with a basic heterocyclic-aldehyde compound and an optically active amine in the presence of a base; and b) separating the compound of Formula (2a) from the product of step a) by acid extraction. The compound of Formula (2a) may be produced with an enantiomeric excess of 98%. Compounds of Formula (2a) are useful intermediates in a process to prepare a bicyclic γ - amino tetrazole derivative of Formula (I) which finds utility in treating neuropathic pain and disorders of the central nervous system.