Preparation of optically active enantiomers of piperonyl amines by resolution of the diastereomeric salts

A process for resolving the (S)- and (R)- enantiomers of a compound of Formula (I):

• wherein L is a C1-C5 alkylene, carbocyclyl, or heterocyclyl;
• R1 is alkyl, benzyl or phenethyl;
• and
• R2 is hydrogen, alkyl, benzyl or phenethyl;
• the process comprising:
• (a) forming a diastereomeric salt comprising (S)- and (R)- enantiomers of the compound of Formula (I) by mixing the compound of Formula (I) with a chiral acid in a solvent and
• (b) resolving the (S)- and (R)- enantiomers of the compound of Formula (I), wherein the enantiomeric excess of the compound of Formula (I) is less than about 50%.