title: Improved synthesis and resolution of beta-(3-pyridyl)-DL-alpha-alanine.
abstract: beta-Benzamido-alpha-(3-pyridyl)-DL-alpha-alanine hydrochloride was synthesized from 3-pyridinecarboxyaldehyde via the azlactone which was hydrolyzed to the acrylic acid before hydrogenation. The methyl ester was effectively resolved with subtilisin. The optical purity of the D-isomer was established, since the D-isomer was used in synthesis of antagonists of the luteinizing hormone releasing hormone.
mesh_terms: D000409:Alanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008722:Methods; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: C012787:3-pyridylalanine; D000409:Alanine